What is a Pentalobe Screwdriver? and Why Would You Need a Pentalobe Screwdriver?
A pentalobe screwdriver is a precision tool commonly used to open Apple devices Let’s examine a brief history of this little beast.
Firstly, like a Pentagon (a shape with five sides), a Pentalobe is a screw—or a screwdriver—with five points. They come in six sizes from 1 to 6. The nomenclature of this can be confusing though, as different companies have different ways of naming their pentalobe sizes.
You will see:
- TS1, which can easily be mistaken for Torx size
- P1, P2, P3…
- PL1, PL2, PL3…
- Some even make it as clear as possible and call it just Five Lobe.
🌀 Confused? Don’t worry. It gets better.
The Confusing Birth of the Pentalobe Screwdriver Standard
The confusion doesn’t stop there, though. In 2009, Apple launched the pentalobe screw, and that’s about all they did. There was no regulatory sizing, so the brains at iFixit reverse engineered the screw and made a driver to work with it.
Since it was similar in size to a Torx T2, they called it a P2.
After they did this, Apple released sizing information and revealed that iFixit’s P2 was actually a size 1.
It was after all this commotion that Wiha released their set of pentalobes (to Apple standards), so their PL1 is actually the same size as iFixit’s P2. Did you get all that?
To keep things simple, they decided to stick with Wiha’s sizing standard, PL1–PL6.
Why Use a Pentalobe Precision Screwdriver?
So now that we have sizes under our belt, the ultimate question is: Why?
Why would someone need a five-pointed precision screwdriver?
The answer is simple: Apple.
Not the fruit (though we suppose you could use a pentalobe screwdriver for digging out apple seeds). Apple—the modern-day tech conglomerate which made Steve Jobs a household name.
Do you have a Mac Computer? An iPad? An iPhone?
Do you want to get inside of that device and play around with the guts?
Then you are probably going to need a pentalobe precision screwdriver.
What Pentalobe Size Do You Need?
Let’s take a look:
| Apple Device | Size |
| iPhone 4 to iPhone 7 Plus | PL1 |
| Apple Watch (band removal) | PL2 |
| MacBook Air / MacBook Pro Retina | PL4 |
| 15” 2009 MacBook Pro (battery access) | PL5 |
| PL3 & PL6 | Unknown – but they look great in your toolbox 😄 |
Real-World Scenarios Where You Need It
- Replacing a cracked iPhone screen
- Swapping out a MacBook SSD
- Cleaning internal fans on a laptop
- Replacing an Apple Watch band
- Professional mobile repair work
- DIY Apple teardown videos (hey, YouTube content!)
Need a Screwdriver Kit That Covers It All?
UF-TOOLS offers a complete screwdriver set that includes:
- PL1–PL6 pentalobe bits
- Premium anti-slip aluminum alloy handle
- Custom-fit magnetic tips to reduce screw loss
- 31 different bits for other electronic devices too
- Sleek case and logo customization for retail or corporate clients
Click here to view the full product »
Bonus: Why Naming Matters (and Why It Still Confuses Everyone)
The issue of naming standards—PL vs. P vs. TS—still confuses many professionals.
- iFixit might call something P2
- Apple internally considers it PL1
- Other brands just slap on TS1 and call it a day
That’s why having a well-labeled, professional-grade screwdriver set is essential if you deal with Apple devices regularly.
Related Articles from UF-TOOLS
- How to Choose the Right Screwdriver Bit for Electronics »
- What’s the Difference Between Torx and Pentalobe? »
- Precision Tools for Smartphone Repair: Buyer’s Guide »
Final Thoughts
Pentalobe screws might be small, but they represent big ideas: control, security, exclusivity—and a bit of frustration.
But with the right tools, they’re no match for your skill.
🔧 UF-TOOLS gives you the precision, reliability, and confidence to handle any screw—even the mysterious five-lobed ones.
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