Most very long screwdrivers DO in fact make it easier to work a screw because
the handles i=usually have a larger diameter handle = more torque.  So any
perception has a basis in fact .

Ed Minch





On May 22, 2014, at 12:55 PM, David Nighswander  wrote:

> Humor always gets me in trouble. I’ll try to explain the concept more
completely.
> Torque is measured in foot/pounds or newton/meters. 
> One foot/pound of torque on a bolt or screw is the rotational force applied by
a one pound weight on a one foot long lever.
> One inch/pound of torque on a bolt or screw is the rotational force applied by
a one pound weight on a one inch long lever.
> A screwdriver is used to rotate a screw by engaging the bit in the head of
the screw. Gripping the handle and turning the handle around the center axis of
the shank rotates the screwdriver and the screw. Increasing the diameter of the
handle will increase the possible torque that the user is capable of applying
with the screwdriver.
> Using a longer shank only extends the distance the handle is away from the
head of the screw. It has no effect on the rotational force.
> If you are using the screwdriver as a chisel or to open paint cans you
shouldn’t be in this conversation.