USAGE: screwdriver

["Simmons, Brian" <brian -dot- simmons -at- LAMRC -dot- COM>]

I gather that most of the list is composed of computer/software writers, but
I'll cast a line anyway. In our semiconductor equipment maintenance manuals
we have occasionally run into a situation where the term we used for a tool
was not globally understood. For example, "Allen wrench" confused some
international users; we changed that to "hex wrench."

Amazingly enough we are now in a bit of a quandary as to what to call a
simple screwdriver. Suggestions include
     standard screwdriver
     slotted screwdriver
     straight slot screwdriver

for one type and
     Phillips screwdriver (which is like the Allen wrench scenario)
     crosshead screwdriver
     x-head screwdriver
     cross slot screwdriver

for the other. I suppose we could solve this most easily by using icons that
depict the screw head for each occurrence, but I'd really like to know the
best terms to use. I don't even know of a good source for this terminology,
except a tool catalog, and that doesn't necessarily reflect "standard"
terminology, except in the country of origin of the catalog.

thanks for all constructive comments,

bws

Brian Wesley Simmons
Publications Supervisor       510.572.1039 work   510.572.1056 fax
Lam Research Corporation 1.800.759.8888 PIN 1970622 voicemail pager
brian -dot- simmons -at- lamrc -dot- com  bws20 -at- netcom -dot- com

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