Power drills can be used with screw guides.
A lead screw is a screw that allows a part of the machine to make certain limited movements in order for the machine to function properly. A common use for a lead screw is to allow an object to rotate, such as a wheel or gear. A lead screw can also allow a part of the machine to move up and down to a limited degree.
These screws can be used in many environments. They can be found in common mechanical products, allowing a rotor to spin properly. Lead screws are often necessary components on large industrial machines. They are even used in medical situations. In these scenarios, a guide screw allows surgeons to perform precise actions on the patient, using the length and thread of the guide screw to prevent errors in a surgical procedure.
A common use for a lead screw is to create a hole in a material and then remove it to allow precise insertion of a screw later in the assembly process. A replacement for this method is called a screw guide. This is a small tool used to ensure a screw enters the workpiece at the desired angle and depth.
Both electric drills and conventional screwdrivers can be used with screw guides. They are especially useful with power drills, as the speed and force of a power drill can turn what would be a correctable human error into one that damages the work piece beyond repair. The potential for costly errors makes screw guides essential for use in a manufacturing environment.
Screw guides are often available in sets. They feature different diameter holes to accommodate different possible screws which can then be precisely adjusted to the work piece. Sometimes a built-in ruler is included to further assist the worker in choosing the correct drilling diameter and depth. Any screw, including a lead screw, can be inserted into one of these holes.
Guide screws and screw guides are available for purchase at hardware stores and online. Some online hardware manufacturers allow you to buy large quantities at discounted prices. This can be advantageous if they are intended to be used in a manufacturing environment. Whether used in a factory or home workshop, lead screws and screw guides are useful devices that improve accuracy when using mechanical devices.