The flat head screw driver, being the most common screw driver in existence, is more valuable for other purposes than driving slotted screws. For screw driving, I’ll take a self-centering Phillips driver and matching fastener any day. It has been my experience that the slotted screw strips faster than paint off a road salt encrusted Jetta. For general utility, however, the flat head prevails. This versatile tool can be employed as a pry bar, chisel, can opener, gasket scraper, hole punch, place holder, shear pin, scribing tool, nose picker, bookmark and much more. With a bit of creative engineering and the use of a grinder and file the slotted screw driver can be transformed easily into a spade drill, scratch awl, center punch, throwing dagger and, in a pinch, tooth pick.
Currently, I use a large flat head screw driver as a hood opener for the white Jetta. Years ago, the hood-release cable snapped on this poor car allowing me to discover a new use for the slotted screw driver. Now, I could have fixed the problem the proper way, but what charm would there be in that. Besides, you should see the looks I get at the gas station when I pop the hood with a screw driver to check the oil.
To open the hood on a typical Mark II Jetta or Golf you slide a large slotted screw driver through the 'V' in the 'VW' symbol on the grill until the blade rests on the passenger side of the hood release mechanism. Now, with a bit of force, press the release towards the driver’s side. If done correctly, the hood will pop open. I’m sure there are a multitude of other uses for the ole flat head driver that I have not mentioned. Feel free to add to this list.
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