In the present society, the vast majority of us own some type of electronic gadget, regardless of whether it’s a PC, tablet, or smartphone.
Chances are, at some point, you’ve needed to take this device apart to do minor repairs, only to discover the typical screwdriver at home is useless.
Once in a while, a screwdriver will accompany the gadget bought for support, but not always. These sorts of screwdrivers are called pentalobes, and here is a review of a couple of various ones.
History of the Pentalobe Screwdriver
Going to the hardware store to pick out screws for a DIY project should be a simple task, or so it would seem. I’ve never understood why there are so many.
Fictitiously thinking that screws should only come in two or three different sizes might be nice, but it would be impractical.
With electronics, it’s the same. Aside from the reality, a common Phillips or level head screwdriver likely will not be very useful. For these gadgets, you will probably require a unique screwdriver called a pentalobe.
A pentalobe has five sides and comes in six sizes. In 2009, Apple incorporated the use of pentalobe screwdrivers as an added act of security on their devices.
The screws were basically tamper-resistant and couldn’t be accessed with the typical at-home screwdriver.
Users believed the intent of these screws was to make it difficult to do self-repairs.
Other manufacturers soon followed, and it wasn’t long after this that inventors developed an inexpensive set of pentalobe screwdrivers found in most hardware stores today.
Advantages
Cost less compared to other screwdrivers
Compact
Rotational cap
Disadvantages
Depending on the size and torque needed, may cause the user to experience wrist and shoulder discomfort with prolonged use
This pentalobe screwdriver set fits the screws found on the 4s to the 7 plus iPhones, along with the MacBook Air and Pro (retina display laptops).
They come in three sizes ranging from 0.8mm, 1.2mm, to 1.5mm. This set is manufactured with CVM (chrome vanadium) and includes an opening pry tool and a magnetized stand.
This pentalobe screwdriver set fits the screws found on the iPhone 4 to 8, along with iPhone x and 11.
The back panel screws on the MacBook Air (A1465, A1466, A1370), MacBook Pro with retina display (A1425, A1502, A1398), and MacBook 12 inch (A1534) can all be opened using the 1.2 mm.
The anti-slip handle prevents slippage during use and the end of the driver rotates 360 degrees, making it much more efficient. This set is also magnetic for easier handling of the screws.
Made with aluminum and steel tips. This set appears well constructed and reliable for both the tech professional or the DIYer.
Advantages
Anti-grip handle
Magnetized
360-degree turn capability
One-year warranty
Disadvantages
An alternate screwdriver is needed for unscrewing the metal plates inside of the iPhone 7/7 plus
This pentalobe precision set includes the 1.2 mm driver and is compatible with the screws found on MacBooks.
The tips are magnetized for easier handling of the screws, and the handle is made with ABS and ergonomically wide enough for extra comfort. The cap rotates for 360 degrees of efficiency.
This pentalobe screwdriver set is compatible with iPhone 4 to 6S plus, apple watch band, MacBook Air, Pro (retina display), and the MacBook Pro 15 inch battery.
These drivers are made with CVM steel, a hard chrome coating, anti-corrosive material, and feature an ergonomic handle for comfort and safety, ensuring durability and a longer life span.
This set appears well constructed and reliable for both the tech professional or the DIYer.
The iFixit Pro screwdriver set includes the P2, P5, and P6, compatible with the screws on MacBook cases, batteries, and the bottom of iPhones.
These are sold individually, but it makes more sense financially to purchase these in a set, as it is more cost effective.
These aluminum drivers are made with an ergonomic handle offering a knurled grip, which allows for a better grasp.
The handle is magnetized, and the cap has a 360-degree turn for efficiency. This set appears well constructed and reliable for both the tech professional or the DIYer.
The Kingsdun pentalobe screwdriver set includes P2, P5, and P6 (0.8mm,1.2mm, and 1.5mm), and is used in removing the bottom screws on all models of the iPhone and other Apple products with a 0.8mm screw (P2).
The P5 is compatible with the 5 pointed screws and made to open the back panels on the MacBook Air and Pro. The P6 pentalobe screwdriver is used in the opening of 15 inch MacBook Pro battery.
All tips are magnetic, crafted using CR-V steel, and made for durability. This set appears well constructed and reliable for the DIYer.
The Syntus 63 in 1 precision set includes 0.8mm, 1.2mm, and 1.5 mm pentalobe bits needed to repair gaming consoles, iPads, iPhones, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.
The driver is magnetic for easier handling of screws and crafted of aluminum.
The bits are manufactured with S2 steel, which is stated as being of higher quality than CR-V.
The XooL pentalobe screwdriver set is a complete set for repairing iPhones, iPads, computers, game consoles, and other electronics.
Included in this set are the 0.3mm,0.8mm, 2×1.2mm,2x 1.5mm, and 2x 2.0mm pentalobe bits which are manufactured with CR-V steel for extra hardness and durability.
The ergonomic handle is comfortable for longer periods of use, and the cap has a 360-degree rotation for added efficiency. This set appears well constructed and reliable for the DIYer.
The Wirehard 62 in 1 pentalobe screwdriver set is compatible with game consoles, laptops, computers, and all iPhone versions.
Included in this set are the 0.8mm,1.2 mm,1.5mm, and 2.0 mm pentalobe bits which are manufactured using alloy steel, are magnetic, and connect to an electric screwdriver with the use of a provided connector.
The driver is crafted from aluminum with a rubber-coated handle for comfort, which rotates for efficiency. This set appears well constructed and reliable for the tech professional or the DIYer.
Advantages
Flex extension
Rubber handle
Lifelong guarantee when used under normal use
Disadvantages
The case is poor quality
Things To Consider
When looking for the best pentalobe screwdriver, we should take a few things into consideration. The tips, the handle, and the rotational degree all play a part in choosing which will work best.
High-Performance Tips
The tips on the drivers should be manufactured with well-constructed materials to guard against wear and breakage, as well as stripping of the screws.
You want to purchase tools that are reliable and guaranteed to last for more than a short time.
Ergonomic Handle
The handle should be an important point to consider if you are using any tool for long periods of time.
An ergonomically correct handle can make all the difference in helping ease a user’s discomfort. It should be easy to grip with minimal torque.
Rotational
You want to be able to control the screwdriver, keeping it in place while tuning, and having a cap at the bottom of the driver ensures this.
Conclusion
After reviewing these ten types of pentalobe screwdrivers, I have to declare the Wiha 6 piece as the clear winner. The tips are crafted with CVM steel and they have a hard chrome coating ensuring a long life span.
They also come equipped with an ergonomic handle for all the comfort you would need, especially if you are working with these tools long term. They also have a rotational cap for easy turning.
These screwdrivers are a little pricier compared to other brands, but in all honesty, you get what you pay for, and with Wiha, you get peace of mind. If not completely satisfied, you can return these at any time from purchase up to twelve months. They also have a lifetime guarantee on any defects.
