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The Doctor's sonic screwdriver: Difference between revisions

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{{Cleanup|This entire article needs a major rewrite due to the imminent split of the various sonic screwdrivers into several articles, which will greatly improve this article as well.}}
{{Infobox Object
{{Infobox Object
|image      = The Pilot Cup of Sonic.jpg
|image      = The Pilot Cup of Sonic.jpg
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|origin      = {{il|[[Gallifrey]]|[[The Doctor's TARDIS|The TARDIS]]|[[Earth]]}}
|origin      = {{il|[[Gallifrey]]|[[The Doctor's TARDIS|The TARDIS]]|[[Earth]]}}
|first      = Fury from the Deep (TV story)
|first      = Fury from the Deep (TV story)
|appearances = '''''[[The Doctor's sonic screwdriver/Appearances|see list]]'''''
|appearances = {{appears}}
|clip        = The Master Summons the Sea Devil - The Sea Devils - Doctor Who - BBC
|clip        = The Master Summons the Sea Devil - The Sea Devils - Doctor Who - BBC
|clip2      = The Sonic Screwdriver is Destroyed! - The Visitation - Doctor Who - BBC
|clip2      = The Sonic Screwdriver is Destroyed! - The Visitation - Doctor Who - BBC
|clip3      = Hang on Doctor! - Doctor Who - BBC
|clip3      = Hang on Doctor! - Doctor Who - BBC
|bts        = The Woman Who Fell to Earth Episode 1 Closer Look Doctor Who BBC AMERICA
|bts        = The Woman Who Fell to Earth Episode 1 Closer Look Doctor Who BBC AMERICA
}}{{doctor more}}
}}
{{counterparts|name=The Doctor's sonic screwdriver|2=Unbound Doctor's sonic screwdriver|d2=Unbound Universe|3=
{{doctor more}}
The Doctor's sonic screwdriver (Exile)|d3=''Exile''}}
{{doctor screwdrivers}}
[[The Doctor]], throughout many of their lives, possessed a '''sonic screwdriver'''. They ostensibly upgraded and improved each subsequent model, improving functionality and adding additional features while the design changed. Features included projecting [[sound]] waves to lock or unlock [[door]]s, frying [[circuitry]], [[hacking]], disabling, and activating technology. It could also be used as a [[scanner|scanning device]], with medical applications.
[[The Doctor]], throughout many of their lives, possessed a '''sonic screwdriver'''. They ostensibly upgraded and improved each subsequent model, improving functionality and adding additional features while the design changed. Features included projecting [[sound]] waves to lock or unlock [[door]]s, frying [[circuitry]], [[hacking]], disabling, and activating technology. It could also be used as a [[scanner|scanning device]], with medical applications.


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For a time, the Twelfth Doctor abandoned sonic screwdrivers in favour of wearable technology - namely, his [[sonic sunglasses]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Witch's Familiar (TV story)|The Witch's Familiar]]'', ''[[Under the Lake (TV story)|Under the Lake]]'') However, after briefly returning to [[Gallifrey]] and having [[Clara Oswald]] dematerialise with them still inside [[Clara's TARDIS|her TARDIS]], he resumed using screwdrivers, as his TARDIS fashioned a new one for him as a gift. Furthermore, after the Doctor had lost sight of who he was, Clara left him a reminder to "be a Doctor" after leaving his company. As part of his role of being a Doctor was to use a sonic screwdriver, the Doctor accepted the TARDIS's gift ([[TV]]: ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]'') though he would continue to occasionally use the sunglasses as well. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Husbands of River Song (TV story)|The Husbands of River Song]]'')
For a time, the Twelfth Doctor abandoned sonic screwdrivers in favour of wearable technology - namely, his [[sonic sunglasses]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Witch's Familiar (TV story)|The Witch's Familiar]]'', ''[[Under the Lake (TV story)|Under the Lake]]'') However, after briefly returning to [[Gallifrey]] and having [[Clara Oswald]] dematerialise with them still inside [[Clara's TARDIS|her TARDIS]], he resumed using screwdrivers, as his TARDIS fashioned a new one for him as a gift. Furthermore, after the Doctor had lost sight of who he was, Clara left him a reminder to "be a Doctor" after leaving his company. As part of his role of being a Doctor was to use a sonic screwdriver, the Doctor accepted the TARDIS's gift ([[TV]]: ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]'') though he would continue to occasionally use the sunglasses as well. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Husbands of River Song (TV story)|The Husbands of River Song]]'')


== The First and Second Doctors' sonic screwdrivers ==
== The Second Doctors' sonic screwdriver ==
As described by a [[Gowenn]] shuttle [[computer]] aboard the [[Sou(ou)shi]] ship, the [[First Doctor]] once used an "unknown sonic device" to crack the code for the launch sequence of said shuttle. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Venusian Lullaby (novel)|Venusian Lullaby]]'') According to one account, the First Doctor did not possess a sonic screwdriver, leaving him confused and somewhat irritated when the [[Twelfth Doctor]] utilised a future model. ([[TV]]: ''[[Twice Upon a Time (TV story)|Twice Upon a Time]]'') Indeed, an [[Unbound Doctor|alternate Third Doctor]] did not recognise the device. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Emporium at the End (audio story)|The Emporium at the End]]'')
{{main|Second Doctor's sonic screwdriver}}
 
The first sonic screwdriver used by the Doctor was invented and used by his [[Second Doctor|second incarnation]] ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Murder Game (novel)|The Murder Game]]'', [[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Forsaken (audio story)|The Forsaken]]'', [[TV]]: ''[[Fury from the Deep (TV story)|Fury from the Deep]]'') The [[First Doctor]] had on at least one occasion utilised a sonic device of some kind ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Venusian Lullaby (novel)|Venusian Lullaby]]'') but expressed unfamiliarity and disdain at the [[Twelfth Doctor's second sonic screwdriver|Twelfth Doctor's sonic screwdriver]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Twice Upon a Time (TV story)|Twice Upon a Time]]'') The Second Doctor used the screwdriver throughout his life, from at least as early as his travels with the [[Polly Wright|Polly]], [[Ben Jackson|Ben]] and [[Jamie McCrimmon|Jamie]] ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Forsaken (audio story)|The Forsaken]]'') until his enforced work for the [[Celestial Intervention Agency]] near the end of his life. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Wrath of the Ice Warriors (audio story)|Wrath of the Ice Warriors]]'', ''[[Helicon Prime (audio story)|Helicon Prime]]'')
[[File:Fury from the Deep BBC telesnap 11.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Second Doctor]] using his [[whistle]]-like sonic screwdriver ([[TV]]: ''[[Fury from the Deep (TV story)|Fury from the Deep]]'')]]
The [[Second Doctor]] used sonic screwdrivers of a different design, including one looking like a life jacket safety [[whistle]], ([[TV]]: ''[[Fury from the Deep (TV story)|Fury from the Deep]]'') or like a metal penlight ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games (TV story)|The War Games]]'') which could get a trigger attachment. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Dominators (TV story)|The Dominators]]'')
 
The screwdriver was destroyed by [[Skaar]], leading the Doctor to decide to build a new and more advanced version. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Wrath of the Ice Warriors (audio story)|Wrath of the Ice Warriors]]'') Nonetheless, it was also used by the [[Eighth Doctor]] after being destroyed "centuries ago", with the Doctor claiming to his [[companion]] [[Sam Jones]] that this was possible because "It's a [[Time Lord]] [[tool]]. [[Time]] doesn't work the same way for Time Lord tools." ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Alien Bodies (novel)|Alien Bodies]]'')
 
The Eighth Doctor also carried a similar rod model near the end of his life: [[Cylinder|Cylindrical]] and [[silver]], with a [[blue]] emitter diode tip, he used it in a surgical procedure to scan his [[patient]] and to seal [[incision]]s. This model could glow with an "almost [[white]]" [[light]] and emit great [[heat]], be used to sharpen surgical instruments and be turned "on" and "off". ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Osskah (short story)|Osskah]]'')
 
A rod version of this screwdriver was kept in the [[Twelfth Doctor]]'s [[The Doctor's office (The Pilot)|office]] at [[St Luke's University]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]]'')
 
=== Uses ===
[[File:Doc2Sonic.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Second Doctor]] using his [[penlight]] design of sonic screwdriver ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games (TV story)|The War Games]]'')]]
The First and Second Doctors' sonic screwdriver functioned as a conventional [[screwdriver]], without physical contact with [[screw]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games (TV story)|The War Games]]'') It was also capable of cracking [[code]]s, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Venusian Lullaby (novel)|Venusian Lullaby]]'') opening up hatches, panels, control panels, ([[TV]]: ''[[Fury from the Deep (TV story)|Fury from the Deep]]'', ''[[The War Games (TV story)|The War Games]]'') and unlocking [[prison cell]] [[door]]s. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Fear of the Daleks (audio story)|Fear of the Daleks]]'')
 
On occasion, the Doctor also used it to cut through a section of a [[wall]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Dominators (TV story)|The Dominators]]'') and to override a security lock. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Helicon Prime (audio story)|Helicon Prime]]'') He also used it to destroy the [[Dalek crystal]] at the heart of a [[mind projector]] ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Fear of the Daleks (audio story)|Fear of the Daleks]]'') and to dismantle technology. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Apocalypse Mirror (audio story)|The Apocalypse Mirror]]'', [[TV]]: ''[[The War Games (TV story)|The War Games]]'')


== The Third, Fourth and Fifth Doctors' sonic screwdriver ==
== The Third, Fourth and Fifth Doctors' sonic screwdriver ==
[[File:Pertweewithscrewdriver.jpg|thumb|left|The Third Doctor's sonic. ([[TV]]: ''[[Carnival of Monsters (TV story)|Carnival of Monsters]]'')]]
{{Main|Third Doctor's sonic screwdriver}}
The [[Third Doctor]]'s most-used model of the sonic screwdriver was much larger than the one his first and second incarnations used; its elaborately detailed [[silver]] collar originally featured [[black]] and [[yellow]] stripes and [[red]] trim, and could be pulled down to activate the screwdriver. It had a removable [[Burgundy (colour)|burgundy]] emitter head which the Doctor would change with others, each performing a different function. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sea Devils (TV story)|The Sea Devils]]'')
The [[Third Doctor]] used a new model of the sonic screwdriver which would be used throughout the lifetime of the [[Fourth Doctor]]. Early in his life, the [[Fifth Doctor]] made use of it until it was destroyed by the [[Terileptil|Terileptils]], and he did not replace it afterwards. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Visitation (TV story)|The Visitation]]'')
 
On one occasion he removed the head entirely and replaced it with a small, round [[mirror]], which spun rapidly when he tapped its edge with his finger and [[hypnosis|hypnotised]] anyone who looked at it. Accompanied by a yellow [[light]] on the collar of his sonic screwdriver and the Doctor singing a Venusian lullaby, it hypnotised the aggressive [[Aggedor]] into calmness. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Curse of Peladon (TV story)|The Curse of Peladon]]'')
 
The Third Doctor later fitted the head of his sonic screwdriver with a cylindrical black magnet which enabled it to open bolted doors, especially when its polarity was reversed. This refit left the metal mostly unpainted, with a dark red emitter ring. The head of this model could be extended. The sonic screwdriver was confiscated when the Doctor was sent to the [[Lunar Penal Colony]], and he never recovered it. ([[TV]]: ''[[Frontier in Space (TV story)|Frontier in Space]]'') However, the Doctor had a spare aboard the TARDIS, which he made use of in the [[Dalek]] base on [[Spiridon]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Daleks (TV story)|Planet of the Daleks]]'')
 
[[File:Four uses Sonic on drone.jpg|thumb|The Fourth Doctor with the sonic. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sontaran Experiment (TV story)|The Sontaran Experiment]]'')]]
Before this model met its demise, its head was repainted twice after the original coat wore off. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Keeper of Traken (TV story)|The Keeper of Traken]]'', ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]'') It was ultimately destroyed when the [[Terileptil]] leader forced the [[Fifth Doctor]] to drop the screwdriver inside a holding cell, then incinerated it with a blast from a laser gun — causing the Doctor to remark "I feel as though you've just killed an old friend." ([[TV]]: ''[[The Visitation (TV story)|The Visitation]]'')
 
The Doctor went without a sonic screwdriver for some time after this model, with [[Nyssa]] lamenting his decision not to replace it. ([[TV]]: ''[[Snakedance (TV story)|Snakedance]]'') The [[Tenth Doctor]] also lightly mocked his past incarnation for going "hands-free" following this incident when their TARDISes accidentally collided. ([[TV]]: ''[[Time Crash (TV story)|Time Crash]]'')
 
This sonic operated at a frequency of 80 [[kilohertz]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Light Fantastic (short story)|Light Fantastic]]'')
 
The Doctor, leaving [[UNIT]], left behind a prototype. UNIT scientists then tried to use reverse-engineering to understand its workings; this went on into the [[21st century]]. Despite them trying to keep it quiet from the Doctor, he was well aware of the project by his [[Seventh Doctor|seventh incarnation]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Persuasion (audio story)|Persuasion]]'')
 
Multiple versions of this model were kept in the [[Twelfth Doctor]]'s [[The Doctor's office (The Pilot)|office]] at [[St Luke's University]]. His companion [[Nardole]] made use of one in a [[War zone (The Pilot)|war zone]] where the [[Dalek]]s and [[Movellan]]s skirmished. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]]'')
 
=== Uses ===
The sonic screwdriver was often used for opening objects such as doors, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sea Devils (TV story)|The Sea Devils]]'', ''[[The Mutants (TV story)|The Mutants]]'', ''[[The Green Death (TV story)|The Green Death]]'', etc.) safes ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sun Makers (TV story)|The Sun Makers]]'') and display cases. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Ribos Operation (TV story)|The Ribos Operation]]'') According to the [[Third Doctor]], it, for a time, only worked on electronic locks. ([[TV]]: ''[[Carnival of Monsters (TV story)|Carnival of Monsters]]'') However, the [[Fourth Doctor]] later modified it to also work on physical ones as well. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Ribos Operation (TV story)|The Ribos Operation]]'', etc.)
 
The sonic screwdriver could also be used to disable security devices, including a [[hologram|holographic]] [[energy barrier]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Visitation (TV story)|The Visitation]]'') and, once, a [[deflection barrier]] generator. ([[TV]]: ''[[Pyramids of Mars (TV story)|Pyramids of Mars]]'') It could also scan for alarm systems, ([[TV]]: ''[[Colony in Space (TV story)|Colony in Space]]'') radiation ([[TV]]: ''[[The Three Doctors (TV story)|The Three Doctors]]'') and electronic traps. ([[TV]]: ''[[Death to the Daleks (TV story)|Death to the Daleks]]'')
 
On occasion, the Doctor used it to either detect, disarm or detonate explosive weapons. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sea Devils (TV story)|The Sea Devils]]'', [[PROSE]]: ''[[Cold Fusion (novel)|Cold Fusion]]'', etc.) He often used it to interact with or disable various forms of circuitry and technology. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Mutants (TV story)|The Mutants]]'', ''[[Frontier in Space (TV story)|Frontier in Space]]'', ''[[Planet of the Daleks (TV story)|Planet of the Daleks]]'', etc.) The sonic screwdriver could also be used to repair devices ([[TV]]: ''[[The Ark in Space (TV story)|The Ark in Space]]'', ''[[The Sontaran Stratagem (TV story)|The Sontaran Stratagem]]'', etc.) and perform maintenance on the [[TARDIS control console|TARDIS's control console]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Hand of Fear (TV story)|The Hand of Fear]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver also functioned as a conventional screwdriver ([[TV]]: ''[[The Monster of Peladon (TV story)|The Monster of Peladon]]'', ''[[The Ark in Space (TV story)|The Ark in Space]]'') and could be magnetised to remove bolts. ([[TV]]: ''[[Frontier in Space (TV story)|Frontier in Space]]'', ''[[The Android Invasion (TV story)|The Android Invasion]]'') With the screwdriver, the Doctor was also capable of creating sparks of flame, ([[TV]]: ''[[Carnival of Monsters (TV story)|Carnival of Monsters]]'') cutting through objects, ([[TV]]: ''[[Robot (TV story)|Robot]]'') melting [[artificial ivy]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Android Invasion (TV story)|The Android Invasion]]'') and creating loud noises. ([[TV]]: ''[[Four to Doomsday (TV story)|Four to Doomsday]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver also affected alive beings: the [[Third Doctor]] used it to cure [[Henry VIII]] of his [[cataract]]s, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Hiccup in Time (short story)|Hiccup in Time]]'') distract [[giant maggot]]s, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Green Death (TV story)|The Green Death]]'') break a [[hypnotic]] trance ([[TV]]: ''[[Death to the Daleks (TV story)|Death to the Daleks]]'') and overload the [[brain]]s of [[Space Greyhound]]s. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Forgotten (comic story)|The Forgotten]]'')
 
Using the appropriate [[sonic frequency]], the [[Fourth Doctor]] used the sonic screwdriver to return himself, [[Ernestina Stott]] and later, [[The Doctor's scarf|his scarf]], to normal size. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Dead Shoes (audio story)|The Dead Shoes]]'')


== Used by the Sixth Doctor ==
== Used by the Sixth Doctor ==
The [[Sixth Doctor]] once carried an unspecified replacement model for the sonic screwdriver, but had to leave it tied to the side of a video camera in a dungeon cell in order for it to keep the visual feed disabled. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Nightmare Fair (novelisation)|The Nightmare Fair]]'') He later carried another sonic model during his adventures with [[Crystal]], [[Jason (The Ultimate Adventure)|Jason]], and [[Zog (The Ultimate Adventure)|Zog]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Ultimate Adventure (audio story)|The Ultimate Adventure]]'')
{{Main|Sixth Doctor's sonic screwdriver}}
 
While going "hands free" for most of his life, the [[Sixth Doctor]] occasionally carried a replacement sonic screwdriver. ([[PROSE]]: [[The Nightmare Fair (novelisation)|''The Nightmare Fair'']], [[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Ultimate Adventure (audio story)|The Ultimate Adventure]]'')
=== Uses ===
The [[Sixth Doctor]]'s screwdriver could be used to disable a [[video camera]] indefinitely, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Nightmare Fair (novelisation)|The Nightmare Fair]]'') close and seal [[Dalek]] [[door]]s, ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Ultimate Adventure (audio story)|The Ultimate Adventure]]'') and repair the [[TARDIS control console]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Ultimate Adventure (audio story)|The Ultimate Adventure]]'') He once attempted to use it to free [[Envoy (The Ultimate Adventure)|the American Envoy]] from the Dalek [[laser wall]], but this failed. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Ultimate Adventure (audio story)|The Ultimate Adventure]]'')


== The Seventh and Eighth Doctors' sonic screwdriver ==
== The Seventh and Eighth Doctors' sonic screwdriver ==
{{Section stub|As per [[Thread:133842]], there is a sonic in the Doctor's possession by the time of his travels with Benny in the NAs. Info needs to be added from these sources, as well as numerous Big Finish audio dramas.}}
{{Main|Seventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver}}
[[File:ChangLooksThroughSonic.jpg|thumb|[[Chang Lee]] discovers the sonic screwdriver among the things he stole from the [[Seventh Doctor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]]'')]]
Both the [[Seventh Doctor|Seventh]] and [[Eighth Doctor]] carried the "Mark 5" sonic screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]],'' [[PROSE]]: ''[[Alien Bodies (novel)|Alien Bodies]]'') The Seventh Doctor was seen using this screwdriver by the latter part of his life, although it's exact origin depended on the source, and remained in the Eighth Doctor's use throughout his life, although he would replace it with a different model until the Last Great Time War.  
The [[Seventh Doctor]] acquired a sonic screwdriver at an unspecified point of his life. Many contradictory accounts existed, including one which claimed he had acquired it at some point before meeting [[Bernice Summerfield]], ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Love and War (audio story)|Love and War]]'') and another, which claimed he acquired it from himself on [[Silurian Earth|a parallel Earth]] where the species [[Silurian|Homo Reptilicus]] had conquered the Earth and killed [[Third Doctor|his third incarnation]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Blood Heat (novel)|Blood Heat]]'', ''[[First Frontier (novel)|First Frontier]]'') The Doctor himself claimed that he had only recently built one shortly before re-encountering {{Champion}}, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[No Future (novel)|No Future]]'') and that he received it as compensation after suing the Terileptils for [[criminal]] damage. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[GodEngine (novel)|GodEngine]]'') The [[Eighth Doctor]] claimed that this screwdriver was a spare model that had "rolled under the TARDIS console and remained there" until the Seventh Doctor found it. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Frontier Worlds (novel)|Frontier Worlds]]'')
 
This model, identified as the "Mark 5" by the Eighth Doctor, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Alien Bodies (novel)|Alien Bodies]]'') looked similar to the screwdriver used up until his fifth incarnation: it was silver with a brass trim ring in the lower grip and a handle that resembled that of the previous sonic screwdrivers', now with a flat base. Its upper section was able to undergo telescopic collapse for ease of carrying, and, at its top, it held an emitter with a silver ring and a red bullet-shaped crystal at its centre. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]]'') The Seventh Doctor claimed he patented the sonic screwdriver. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Unknown (audio story)|The Unknown]]'') Once, while suffering from amnesia, the Eighth Doctor was able to operate this sonic screwdriver on instinct. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[EarthWorld (novel)|EarthWorld]]'') This version remained in the Eighth Doctor's use throughout his life, up until its destruction at the hands of a [[Cyber-Leader (The Flood)|Cyber-Leader]] on Earth. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Flood (comic story)|The Flood]]'')
 
The Eighth Doctor had resumed using this model by the end of his life during the [[Last Great Time War]]. It was the second and final model the Doctor used thus far that bore an emitter-ring head. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Night of the Doctor (TV story)|The Night of the Doctor]]'') The Eighth Doctor's other choice of a diode-tipped model would become the standard for his later incarnations. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'', ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'', ''[[The Christmas Invasion (TV story)|The Christmas Invasion]]'', ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'', ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]'')
 
The Eighth Doctor once commented that he felt undressed without his sonic screwdriver. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Sontaran Ordeal (audio story)|The Sontaran Ordeal]]'')
 
A version of this screwdriver was kept in the [[Twelfth Doctor]]'s [[The Doctor's office (The Pilot)|office]] at [[St Luke's University]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]]'')
 
=== Uses ===
The sonic screwdriver could interact with a variety of locks, including those for caskets, ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]]'') doors, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Night of the Doctor (TV story)|The Night of the Doctor]]'') security gates, ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Nightshade (audio story)|Nightshade]]'') and bank vaults. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Trading Futures (novel)|Trading Futures]]'') It could also open service ducts ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Excelis Decays (audio story)|Excelis Decays]]'') and create "doorways" in forcefields. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[EarthWorld (novel)|EarthWorld]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver had a number of scanning functions, being able to analyse energy forms ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Nightshade (audio story)|Nightshade]]'') and bodies for life signs. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Night of the Doctor (TV story)|The Night of the Doctor]]'') It could perform maintenance on the TARDIS console, ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]]'') hack into computers, ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Harvest (audio story)|The Harvest]]'') melt ice ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Magic Mousetrap (audio story)|The Magic Mousetrap]]'') and briefly disable [[electron bomb]]s. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Tomorrow Windows (novel)|The Tomorrow Windows]]'') It could also disrupt control signals ([[PROSE]]: ''[[To the Slaughter (novel)|To the Slaughter]]'') and [[Gunstick|Dalek weapons]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Legacy of the Daleks (novel)|Legacy of the Daleks]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver affected creatures in sometimes lethal ways, as it could destroy a [[Dalek]]'s brain when placed against the casing's head ([[PROSE]]: ''[[War of the Daleks (novel)|War of the Daleks]]'') and was once used to decapitate the [[King of Beasts]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Adventuress of Henrietta Street (novel)|The Adventuress of Henrietta Street]]'') It could also repel ghosts, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Vanderdeken's Children (novel)|Vanderdeken's Children]]'') subdue hostile dogs, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Deadstone Memorial (novel)|The Deadstone Memorial]]'') turn [[Cyberman|Cybermen]] against each other ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Flood (comic story)|The Flood]]'') and hold back creatures infected by [[the Void]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Lost Dimension (comic story)|The Lost Dimension]]'')


== Replacement on Ha'olam ==
== Replacement on Ha'olam ==
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== The Eighth Doctor's second screwdriver ==
== The Eighth Doctor's second screwdriver ==
[[File:Dark Eyes sonic.jpg|thumb|The Eighth Doctor's second screwdriver. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Pictures of Josephine Day (comic story)|The Pictures of Josephine Day]]'')]]
{{Main|Eighth Doctor's second sonic screwdriver}}
Later in his eighth incarnation, the Doctor carried a sonic screwdriver with a wooden handle. It had a metallic tip with six prongs that nested a clear diode at the end, which glowed blue when activated. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Great War (audio story)|The Great War]]'') Its handle doubled as a torch. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Sword of Orion (audio story)|Sword of Orion]]'') The Doctor claimed that he made this version of the sonic screwdriver to do more than open doors and blow up land mines. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[X and the Daleks (audio story)|X and the Daleks]]'') He later made further modifications to the screwdriver. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Beachhead (audio story)|Beachhead]]'')
Later in his eighth incarnation, the Doctor carried a more advanced sonic screwdriver with a wooden handle. It had a metallic tip with six prongs that nested a clear diode at the end, which glowed blue when activated. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Great War (audio story)|The Great War]]'') The Doctor claimed that he made this version of the sonic screwdriver to do more than open doors and blow up land mines. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[X and the Daleks (audio story)|X and the Daleks]]'') He was seen using it as early as his travels with Charley Pollard, up until the early part of the [[Last Great Time War]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Natural Regression (short story)|Natural Regression]]'')  
 
It was referred to as a [[penny whistle]] by numerous [[World War I]] medics. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Great War (audio story)|The Great War]]'') The Doctor had it in his possession as early on as his travels with Charley Pollard ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Light at the End (audio story)|The Light at the End]]'') after [[Mary Shelley]] destroyed the Doctor's earlier model to prevent [[Johan Drossel]] and [[Gramm]] from using it as a transmitter as part of a [[super-light transmitter]] to contact [[Mondas]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Silver Turk (audio story)|The Silver Turk]]'') The Doctor eventually replaced it after it burnt itself out whilst scanning a piece of the [[Doomsday Chronometer]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Eighth Piece (audio story)|The Eighth Piece]]'') The replacement was later left behind on [[Parrak]] by [[Helen Sinclair]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Planet of Dust (audio story)|Planet of Dust]]'') The Doctor later used another version of this screwdriver during his travels with [[Josie Day]], ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Pictures of Josephine Day (comic story)|The Pictures of Josephine Day]]'') and in the early part of the [[Last Great Time War]], ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Natural Regression (short story)|Natural Regression]]'') By the end of his life, the Eighth Doctor had returned to using his original model instead. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Night of the Doctor (TV story)|The Night of the Doctor]]'')
 
=== Uses ===
* To locate the TARDIS, but instead opening a [[Vess]] force field. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Light at the End (audio story)|The Light at the End]]'')
* To hack into the reality orientation controls in a Vess weapons factory. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Light at the End (audio story)|The Light at the End]]'')
* Breaking the security lockdown in a Vess facility with the help of the Fourth Doctor's sonic screwdriver. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Light at the End (audio story)|The Light at the End]]'')
* Touching with the Fourth Doctor's sonic screwdriver to release enough temporal energy to force the door to the TARDIS to open. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Light at the End (audio story)|The Light at the End]]'')
* Disorienting a [[ROSM|Rescue Operational Security Module]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Embrace the Darkness (audio story)|Embrace the Darkness]]'')
* Raising the bulkheads between [[Romana II]] and the Matrix chamber. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Neverland (audio story)|Neverland]]'')
* Jamming motion-sensitive sensors long enough for the Doctor and his companions to get to safety. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Scaredy Cat (audio story)|Scaredy Cat]]'')
* Locking the TARDIS [[console room]] away from the rest of the ship until it could repair itself during a [[Hellion]] attack. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Absolution (BFM audio story)|Absolution]]'')
* Tracking residual energy traces. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Girl Who Never Was (audio story)|The Girl Who Never Was]]'')
* Reactivating a long-dormant [[telegraph]] machine. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Girl Who Never Was (audio story)|The Girl Who Never Was]]'')
* Oscillating the atoms of [[wickerwork]] to weaken the structure. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Dead London (audio story)|Dead London]]'')
* Vibrating [[Molluscari]] from their shells by duplicating the precise frequency necessary. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Orbis (audio story)|Orbis]]'')
* Weakening a stone wall by weakening the molecular bonds between atoms. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Book of Kells (audio story)|The Book of Kells]]'')
* Fixing a train track. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Great War (audio story)|The Great War]]'')
* To locate the TARDIS. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Fugitives (audio story)|Fugitives]]'')
* Trying to shatter the walls of a prison. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Tangled Web (audio story)|Tangled Web]]'')
* Detecting a temporal intrusion. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[X and the Daleks (audio story)|X and the Daleks]]'')
* Being activated by [[Herbert Goring]], allowing the Doctor to track the screwdriver with the TARDIS. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The White Room (audio story)|The White Room]]'')
* Breaking into the [[Ides Scientific Institute]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Eyes of the Master (audio story)|Eyes of the Master]]'')
* Unlocking a freezer door slowly from the inside. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Eyes of the Master (audio story)|Eyes of the Master]]'')
* Settings twelve and twenty could override security on a Ramossan spaceport. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Reviled (audio story)|The Reviled]]'')
* Cancelling an alarm. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Masterplan (audio story)|Masterplan]]'')
* Tampering with a spaceship computer. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Masterplan (audio story)|Masterplan]]'')
* Unlocking handcuffs. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Monster of Montmartre (audio story)|The Monster of Montmartre]]'')
* Attempting to unscrew Gallifreyan bolts. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Eleven (audio story)|The Eleven]]'')
* Access information from a terminal. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Satanic Mill (audio story)|The Satanic Mill]]'')
* Summoning the TARDIS to the Doctor's location. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Satanic Mill (audio story)|The Satanic Mill]]'')
* To detect energy emissions. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Beachhead (audio story)|Beachhead]]'')
* To detect tremors caused by [[the Gift]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Sonomancer (audio story)|The Sonomancer]]'')
* To hack into a lock with three million possible combinations. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Sonomancer (audio story)|The Sonomancer]]'')
* To access a Gallifreyan computer. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Crucible of Souls (audio story)|The Crucible of Souls]]'')
* To open a door. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[How to Make a Killing in Time Travel (audio story)|How to Make a Killing in Time Travel]]'')
* Deactivating the Master’s drones. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Planet of Dust (audio story)|Planet of Dust]]'')
* To scan for [[animae particle]]s. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Pictures of Josephine Day (comic story)|The Pictures of Josephine Day]]'')
* To use a satellite dish to communicate with the [[Spherion]]s. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Music of the Spherions (comic story)|Music of the Spherions]]'')
* Opening the back door to a theatre in [[Edinburgh]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Silvering (comic story)|The Silvering]]'')
* Unlocking a cell door. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Silvering (comic story)|The Silvering]]'')
* Destroying the Silversmith's mirrors. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Silvering (comic story)|The Silvering]]'')
* As a torch. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Briarwood (comic story)|Briarwood]]'')
* To escape a cell on board a [[Bakri Resurrection Barge]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[A Matter of Life and Death (comic story)|A Matter of Life and Death]]'')
* Scanning an [[Omsonii]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Time Ball (comic story)|The Time Ball]]'')
* As a torch when the Doctor visited [[Rontan 9]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Natural Regression (short story)|Natural Regression]]'')
* Fusing the lock of a metal door. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Natural Regression (short story)|Natural Regression]]'')


== The War Doctor's sonic screwdriver ==
== The War Doctor's sonic screwdriver ==
[[File:War Doctor sonic.jpg|thumb|The War Doctor's sonic screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')]]
{{Main|War Doctor's sonic screwdriver}}
During his battles in the [[Last Great Time War]], ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Clockwise War (comic story)|The Clockwise War]]'') the [[War Doctor]] used a sonic screwdriver with a simple metallic handle and a red-light-emitting diode at the end. It appeared to be a further upgraded version of the Eighth Doctor's first sonic screwdriver, which he kept strapped in a bandoleer on his chest. It shared the same casing type as the screwdriver used by the Fourth Doctor, but had an extending diode head instead of an emitter head, and an additional piece added to the end of the handle that looked like a small red cap. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')
During his battles in the [[Last Great Time War]], the [[War Doctor]] used a sonic screwdriver with a simple metallic handle and a red light-emitting diode at the end. It appeared to be a further upgraded version of the Eighth Doctor's first sonic screwdriver, which he kept strapped in a bandoleer on his chest. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'') After the end of the Last Great Time War, the [[Ninth Doctor]] kept this model until it was destroyed early in his life. ([[AUDIO]]: [[The Bleeding Heart (audio story)|''The Bleeding Heart'']])
 
After regenerating at the end of the Last Great Time War, the [[Ninth Doctor]] kept this model with him during his early adventures. This version was destroyed when the Doctor rigged it to explode in order to seal a rift in interstitial space, with [[reporter]] [[Adriana Jarsdel]] sabotaging his attempt at self-sacrifice by taking the screwdriver and entering the rift. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Bleeding Heart (audio story)|The Bleeding Heart]]'')
 
=== Uses ===
The [[War Doctor]] often used his sonic screwdriver to summon [[the TARDIS]] to materialise, either around him, ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Thousand Worlds (audio story)|The Thousand Worlds]]'')
or nearby. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Heart of the Battle (audio story)|The Heart of the Battle]]'', ''[[A Thing of Guile (audio story)|A Thing of Guile]]'')
 
With it, the Doctor could dismantle an [[Interstitial]]'s [[possibility engine]] by removing its bolts, receive [[homing signal]]s from the TARDIS in the TARDIS Undercroft below the Citadel ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Engines of War (novel)|Engines of War]]'') and activate the [[memory]]-erasing device in the [[Black Archive]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')
 
The War Doctor, along with his [[Eleventh Doctor|eleventh]] and [[Tenth Doctor|tenth]] incarnations, used his sonic screwdriver to create a sonic force field to blast back and destroy an attacking Dalek in the [[Time War]]. He also implanted a permanent subroutine within the architecture of the sonic screwdriver's software that would begin the centuries-long calculation to disintegrate a door, as well as continuing a calculation to move [[Gallifrey]] into a [[pocket universe]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')
 
His screwdriver was also capable of scanning a [[corpse]] and wiping [[security footage]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Bleeding Heart (audio story)|The Bleeding Heart]]'')


== The Ninth and Tenth Doctors' sonic screwdriver ==
== The Ninth and Tenth Doctors' sonic screwdriver ==
[[File:Ninth Doctor Good with Teleports.jpg|thumb|The Ninth Doctor's sonic screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[Boom Town (TV story)|Boom Town]]'')]]
{{Main|Ninth Doctor's sonic screwdriver}}
After the destruction of his last model, the [[Ninth Doctor]] built himself a new sonic screwdriver. This one had a creamy light grey handle with a "cracked-porcelain" texture matching elements on his TARDIS console and rings around the roundels on the control room walls, silver metal at both the bottom of the handle and the top, and was capped off with a black pommel. Its emitter was blue and sat atop a silver metal section attached to a transparent tube containing black and red wires twisted around each other in the centre that was hidden inside the handle until extended by the slider on the side. The Doctor used this model far more frequently than his previous incarnations had done before. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'', et al.) The [[Tenth Doctor]] also used this model, as he liked tinkering with technology to make devices he needed.
The Ninth and Tenth Doctor's used a new model of sonic screwdriver with a blue emitter, which was used far more frequently than his previous incarnations. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'', et al.) The Eleventh Doctor inadvertently burned it out shortly after his regeneration. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'')  
 
[[File:Human Nature Universal Remote Sonic.JPG|thumb|left|A replacement sonic used by the Tenth Doctor after overloading the former model. ([[TV]]: ''[[Human Nature (TV story)|Human Nature]]'')]]
Prior to formally acquiring it, the Doctor first used this model of the screwdriver during his [[Retro-regeneration|degeneration]] crisis in the Time War when he shifted forward in his timestream to his appearance as the Tenth Doctor, alongside his garments and possessions. During use on Planetoid 50 he was very delighted with the sophistication of the sonic. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Martian Invasion of Planetoid 50 (audio story)|The Martian Invasion of Planetoid 50]]'')
 
This version was burnt out by accident after the Tenth Doctor used it to modify an [[X-ray]] output to over 5000%, however, and he replaced it with a similar one with a flatter slider, two yellow wires in the tube instead of the black and red ones, and a greyer handle, ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones (TV story)|Smith and Jones]]'') though it reverted to its cream handle during his time with Queen Elizabeth ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'') and appeared to have a blue handle following his regeneration. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'') The model underwent several changes in colouration, some inadvertent. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Laundro-Room of Doom (comic story)|Laundro-Room of Doom]]'') This version of the sonic screwdriver was also the first to be shown to have a direct connection to the Doctor's TARDIS ([[TV]]: ''[[Aliens of London (TV story)|Aliens of London]]'') and could be used to override its functions. ([[TV]]: ''[[Utopia (TV story)|Utopia]]'')
 
The screwdriver was damaged during the [[Battle of Mordeela]], forcing the Doctor to use strips from his Time Lord collar to repair it, which he acknowledged was something of a “botched job”. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[All Flesh is Grass (novel)|All Flesh is Grass]]'') He continued to use this variant of the screwdriver whilst in the [[Dark Times]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Minds of Magnox (audio story)|The Minds of Magnox]]'') 
 
The Tenth Doctor had this screwdriver on his person during his [[regeneration]], but it was damaged repeatedly afterwards, leading to many malfunctions. Despite the damage, the [[Eleventh Doctor]] used it to overload technology in an attempt to alert the [[Atraxi]] to [[Prisoner Zero]]'s location. This fried it into useless, charred metal, much to his growing annoyance and anger. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'') It was later recovered by [[Charlie Sato]], and was intended to be taken to [[The Vault (The Scales of Injustice)|the Vault]] before being intercepted by the [[Eighth Doctor]], who chose to bring it to the [[The Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]] due to a code that it was still calculating, ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Turn of the Screw (audio story)|The Turn of the Screw]]'') likely the disintegration subroutine started by the [[War Doctor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')
 
At least two versions of these screwdrivers were kept in the [[Twelfth Doctor]]'s [[The Doctor's office (The Pilot)|office]] at [[St Luke's University]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]]'')
 
=== Uses ===
==== Security ====
The sonic screwdriver was capable of opening a variety of locks, including those for doors, ([[TV]]: ''[[Aliens of London (TV story)|Aliens of London]]'', etc.) hatches, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Age of Steel (TV story)|The Age of Steel]]'') handcuffs, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances (TV story)|The Doctor Dances]]'', etc.) and vehicles. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'', ''[[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]]'') It could also lock doors ([[TV]]: ''[[The Age of Steel (TV story)|The Age of Steel]]'', ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'') or fuse them shut. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Ood (TV story)|Planet of the Ood]]'') The sonic screwdriver could also remove robot casings ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Carnage Zoo (comic story)|Carnage Zoo]]'') and create "[[sonic cage]]s". ([[TV]]: ''[[Partners in Crime (TV story)|Partners in Crime]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver was capable of bypassing security measures, such as key locks ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'') and air-tight seals. ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock (TV story)|Gridlock]]'') It could also interact with electronic locks and [[Setting 85|override security systems]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The End of the World (TV story)|The End of the World]]'', ''[[The Lazarus Experiment (TV story)|The Lazarus Experiment]]'', etc.) However, the sonic screwdriver could not bypass [[deadlock seal]]s ([[TV]]: ''[[Bad Wolf (TV story)|Bad Wolf]]'', etc.) or work on wooden doors. ([[TV]]: ''[[Silence in the Library (TV story)|Silence in the Library]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could hack computer systems, including [[website]]s, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'') communication networks ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock (TV story)|Gridlock]]'') and record systems. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Waters of Mars (TV story)|The Waters of Mars]]'') It could disable security devices, such as cameras, ([[TV]]: ''[[Bad Wolf (TV story)|Bad Wolf]]'', ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'') [[security orb]]s, ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Wrath of the Warrior (comic story)|Wrath of the Warrior]]'') laser grids ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor's Daughter (TV story)|The Doctor's Daughter]]'') and alarms. ([[TV]]: ''[[Partners in Crime (TV story)|Partners in Crime]]'') The sonic screwdriver also was capable disabling power for an entire spaceship. ([[TV]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')
 
==== Medical ====
The sonic screwdriver could be used as a medical scanner, diagnosing physical injuries. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Empty Child (TV story)|The Empty Child]]'') It could also dislodge and reinsert [[Tooth|teeth]], ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Lodger (comic story)|The Lodger]]'') partially reverse the [[Abzorbaloff]]'s absorption process ([[TV]]: ''[[Love & Monsters (TV story)|Love & Monsters]]'') and confuse the [[Antibody|antibodies]] of a living [[planet]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Lonely Planet (comic story)|Lonely Planet]]'') Along with [[1930]] technology, the Tenth Doctor once used it as a component of a DNA scanning device. ([[TV]]: ''[[Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)|Daleks in Manhattan]]'')
 
==== Diagnostic ====
The sonic screwdriver had multiple diagnostic settings. It could be used to detect lifeforms, ([[TV]]: ''[[Silence in the Library (TV story)|Silence in the Library]]'') collect information about them ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'') and check for alien influence. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Return of the Klytode (comic story)|Return of the Klytode]]'') It could even be used to confirm the identity of other incarnations of the Doctor. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Four Doctors (comic story)|Four Doctors]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could also detect, [[Setting 15B|triangulate]] and deactivate signals. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'', ''[[Army of Ghosts (TV story)|Army of Ghosts]]'', etc.) It could scan pieces of technology to discover their properties and faults. ([[TV]]: ''[[Midnight (TV story)|Midnight]]'', ''[[The Next Doctor (TV story)|The Next Doctor]]'') It could also analyse objects ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'', [[COMIC]]: ''[[Doomsilk (comic story)|Doomsilk]]'') or detect certain materials in the area. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Halls of Sacrifice (comic story)|The Halls of Sacrifice]]'') These included time traces ([[TV]]: ''[[The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith (TV story)|The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith]]'') and forms of energy. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Mortal Beloved (comic story)|Mortal Beloved]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could also detect arriving spaceships ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Pictures of Emptiness (novel)|The Pictures of Emptiness]]'') and reveal [[ultraviolet]] characters. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Game of Death (novel)|The Game of Death]]'') It could also detect the progress of the War Doctor's calculation. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')
 
==== Technology ====
The sonic screwdriver could interact with multiple forms of technology and control them. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'', et al.) It was able to activate, disable or destroy electronic devices, including lifts, ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'', ''[[World War Three (TV story)|World War Three]]'') [[computer]]s, ([[TV]]: ''[[The End of the World (TV story)|The End of the World]]'', etc.) cameras, ([[TV]]: ''[[Bad Wolf (TV story)|Bad Wolf]]'', ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'') cash machines, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Long Game (TV story)|The Long Game]]'', ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'') mobile phones ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'', etc.) and [[hologram]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead (TV story)|Forest of the Dead]]'') It could also perform these functions on multiple devices within a local area at once. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could repair devices, ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock (TV story)|Gridlock]]'', etc.) as well as modify them. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Screaming Prison (comic story)|The Screaming Prison]]'') This included increasing a spacesuit's mesh density ([[TV]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead (TV story)|Forest of the Dead]]'') and rewiring a digital painting to show a spaceship's systems. ([[TV]]: ''[[Voyage of the Damned (TV story)|Voyage of the Damned]]'') It was also used to construct devices, even used as a component when necessary. ([[TV]]: ''[[Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)|Daleks in Manhattan]]'', ''[[The Poison Sky (TV story)|The Poison Sky]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could transmit signals, ([[TV]]: ''[[Evolution of the Daleks (TV story)|Evolution of the Daleks]]'') tune into, create and control broadcast channels, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Poison Sky (TV story)|The Poison Sky]]'', ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'') and re-establish connections, even over different time-frames. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl in the Fireplace (TV story)|The Girl in the Fireplace]]'') It could also grant [[mobile phone]]s [[Superphone|the ability to call across time and space]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The End of the World (TV story)|The End of the World]]'', ''[[42 (TV story)|42]]'', etc.)
 
The sonic screwdriver was also connected to [[the Doctor's TARDIS]], allowing him to activate the controls from the outside. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'', etc.) This included sending it to a predetermined point in space-time, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'') fusing the navigational coordinates, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'') and changing course mid-flight. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could detonate explosives, ([[TV]]: ''[[Doomsday (TV story)|Doomsday]]'') charge [[Battery|batteries]], ([[TV]]: ''[[Father's Day (TV story)|Father's Day]]'') reverse teleportation devices, ([[TV]]: ''[[Boom Town (TV story)|Boom Town]]'') and let phones call others without their number. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'') It could scan computer systems for information ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones (TV story)|Smith and Jones]]'', etc.) and download entire journals. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Colour of Darkness (novel)|The Colour of Darkness]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could also dismantle [[firearm]]s, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Peacemaker (novel)|Peacemaker]]'') shatter robot assassins, ([[COMIC]]: ''[[A Suitable Showdown (comic story)|A Suitable Showdown]]'') loop temporal energy into additional device, ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Blooms of Doom! (comic story)|Blooms of Doom!]]'') cancel out [[phonic blast]]s, ([[COMIC]]: ''[[We Will Rock You (comic story)|We Will Rock You]]'') and open a "[[Time field|crack in space-time]]". ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'')
 
==== Amplification ====
The sonic screwdriver could amplify sound waves to become hypersonic from various audio devices, including [[radio]]s, [[speaker]]s and, once, a [[pipe organ]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'', ''[[Evolution of the Daleks (TV story)|Evolution of the Daleks]]'', ''[[The Lazarus Experiment (TV story)|The Lazarus Experiment]]'') In conjunction with [[Miss Foster]]'s [[sonic pen]], it created an ultra-high sonic frequency. ([[TV]]: ''[[Partners in Crime (TV story)|Partners in Crime]]'') The sonic screwdriver could also calculate [[resonation pattern]]s for materials like [[concrete]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances (TV story)|The Doctor Dances]]'') and increase the radiation output of an [[x-ray]] scanner, though the latter burned out the device. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones (TV story)|Smith and Jones]]'')
 
==== Utility ====
The sonic screwdriver could create sparks or flames to light candles ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl in the Fireplace (TV story)|The Girl in the Fireplace]]'') or ignite flammable gasses. ([[TV]]: ''[[Evolution of the Daleks (TV story)|Evolution of the Daleks]]'', [[COMIC]]: ''[[The Hunt of Doom (comic story)|The Hunt of Doom]]'') It could also cut through rope, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Age of Steel (TV story)|The Age of Steel]]'', ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'', ''[[The Fires of Pompeii (TV story)|The Fires of Pompeii]]'') corrode and [[Setting 2428D|reconnect thin metal objects]], such as [[barbed wire]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances (TV story)|The Doctor Dances]]'') and shatter [[glass]] and [[ice]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Army of Ghosts (TV story)|Army of Ghosts]]'', [[COMIC]]: ''[[Arctic Eclipse (comic story)|Arctic Eclipse]]'') It could also be used as a conventional screwdriver without touching [[screw]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor's Daughter (TV story)|The Doctor's Daughter]]'', ''[[Dreamland (TV story)|Dreamland]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver was capable of sending out resonance frequencies to corrode or destroy objects. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances (TV story)|The Doctor Dances]]'', [[COMIC]]: ''[[Operation Lock-up (comic story)|Operation Lock-up]]'') It could increase the power of devices, such as [[torch]]es. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Crimes and Punishment (comic story)|Crimes and Punishment]]'') It could also uncork bottles, ([[TV]]: ''[[Voyage of the Damned (TV story)|Voyage of the Damned]]'') melt and solidify [[tarmac]], ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Last Dodo (novel)|The Last Dodo]]'') attach [[horseshoe]]s onto [[horse]]s, ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Death and the Queen (audio story)|Death and the Queen]]'') knock over objects ([[TV]]: ''[[The Fires of Pompeii (TV story)|The Fires of Pompeii]]'') and explode fire hydrants. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Creature Feature (comic story)|Creature Feature]]'')
 
The Tenth Doctor used the sonic screwdriver to strip off pieces of [[Dalekanium]] from the [[Empire State Building]], ([[TV]]: ''[[Evolution of the Daleks (TV story)|Evolution of the Daleks]]'') tint his [[glasses]] to turn them into [[sunglasses]], ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]]'') and once used it as a soldering iron for [[perception filter]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums (TV story)|The Sound of Drums]]'') It could also be used to fix [[hair]]styles in place, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Rose and the Snow Window (short story)|Rose and the Snow Window]]'') prevent [[Mirrorling]]s from emerging ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Mirror Image (comic story)|Mirror Image]]'') and illuminate people. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Warfreekz! (comic story)|Warfreekz!]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could also create [[force field]]s made out of sound waves, capable of deflecting bullets and [[sonic cannon]] blasts, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Peacemaker (novel)|Peacemaker]]'', [[COMIC]]: ''[[Agent Provocateur (comic story)|Agent Provocateur]]'') and [[stasis beam]]s. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[School of the Dead (comic story)|School of the Dead]]'') Combined with multiple others, it could create a beam powerful enough to push back and destroy [[Dalek]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver was also capable of tickling [[lion]]s, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Slitheen Excursion (novel)|The Slitheen Excursion]]'') overloading [[Cyberman|Cybermen]], ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Power of the Cybermen (comic story)|The Power of the Cybermen]]'') [[Setting 73A|repel birds]] ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Skies of New Earth (audio story)|The Skies of New Earth]]'') and incapacitating a [[Gizou]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Fugitive (comic story)|Fugitive]]'') It could also teleport both the user and others to destinations. ([[TV]]: ''[[Music of the Spheres (TV story)|Music of the Spheres]]'', [[COMIC]]: ''[[The Day the Earth Was Sold (comic story)|The Day the Earth Was Sold]]'', ''[[The King of Earth (comic story)|The King of Earth]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could crash [[aircar]]s ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Time of the Cybermen (comic story)|Time of the Cybermen]]'') and sink ships. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Second Wave (comic story)|Second Wave]]'') It could also create [[toast]] and [[butter]], ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Dead Air (audio story)|Dead Air]]'') and cause [[atmospheric excitation]] to create [[rain]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Mudshock (comic story)|Mudshock]]'')


== The Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors' sonic screwdriver ==
== The Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors' sonic screwdriver ==
[[File:ElevenScrewdriverTHE.jpg|thumb|left|The Eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver ([[TV]]: ''[[The Hungry Earth (TV story)|The Hungry Earth]]'')]]
{{Main|Eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver}}
After the loss of the previous sonic screwdriver, the TARDIS gifted the [[Eleventh Doctor]] with a new model. Differing radically from the last, with its [[Eleventh Doctor's flippy-out petals|extendable "claws"]] and [[Primary emitter cluster|green crystalline emitter]] resembling the inner structure of the TARDIS's new time rotor, it also had copper plating similar to the new control room. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'') A psychic interface allowed its user to point it at a target and think of the function they wanted. ([[TV]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler (TV story)|Let's Kill Hitler]]'', ''[[Death in Heaven (TV story)|Death in Heaven]]'') Having been mentioned to be more than sonic, ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors (TV story)|Night Terrors]]'') this screwdriver also shot beams of green energy in the shape of sonic waves. ([[TV]]: ''[[Day of the Moon (TV story)|Day of the Moon]]'', ''[[Closing Time (TV story)|Closing Time]]'', ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'') By at least the time of the Doctor's thirteenth regeneration, it had a voice-activation feature, which the Doctor forgot about when he needed it. ([[TV]]: ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]'') It had a charge that could last centuries; it once lasted 300 years before the Doctor could charge it in the TARDIS. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'')
The Eleventh Doctor was gifted a new model of sonic screwdriver by the TARDIS, with a green crystal emitter and copper plating. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'') After using it for a long time, with it being destroyed and replaced several times, the Twelfth Doctor ended up abandoning it with [[Davros]] as a child, and the Doctor would subsequently choose to use [[sonic sunglasses]] instead. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Witch's Familiar (TV story)|The Witch's Familiar]]'')
 
Retaining ineffectiveness against [[wood]], it also didn't work against [[Peg Doll]]s ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors (TV story)|Night Terrors]]'') or the [[Wooden King]] and [[Wooden Queen|Queen]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (TV story)|The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe]]'') The Doctor considered it embarrassing and said that "I need to invent a setting for wood." ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors (TV story)|Night Terrors]]'') In similar situations, he yelled at it in panic; "Aliens made of wood, you know this was always going to happen!", "Yes, I know it's wood. Get over it!" ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (TV story)|The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe]]'') Though aware of this flaw, he was still able to successfully bluff a [[Wooden Cyberman]] into destroying itself. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'') He also once defended this weakness, saying "Oi! Don't diss the sonic!" ([[TV]]: ''[[The Hungry Earth (TV story)|The Hungry Earth]]'') At some point it had an anti-freeze setting. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Snowmen (TV story)|The Snowmen]]'') This screwdriver was also shown to have a "red setting", ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold War (TV story)|Cold War]]'') similar to [[River Song's sonic screwdriver|River's sonic screwdriver]].
 
[[File:Sonic and psychic paper.jpeg|thumb|right|The sonic screwdriver and [[psychic paper]] on the TARDIS console. ([[TV]]: ''[[Flatline (TV story)|Flatline]]'')]]
This model was lost and replaced by the Doctor repeatedly, having been bitten in half by a [[sky shark]] and left behind, ([[TV]]: ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'') left with the [[Ganger Doctor]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Rebel Flesh (TV story)|The Rebel Flesh]]'') destroyed by [[Danny Fisher]] ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Blood of Azrael (comic story)|The Blood of Azrael]]'') and, in one instance, simply burnt out due to overuse. In the latter instance, a replacement was given to him by [[Santa Claus]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Silent Knight (comic story)|Silent Knight]]'') One of the Twelfth Doctor's sonic screwdrivers was incinerated by the [[Governor (The Blood Cell)|Governor]] when he was admitted into [[the Prison]]. Clara Oswald attempted to give him a new one disguised as a large candle in a birthday cake, but the Governor refused to give the cake to the Doctor. To circumvent this, the Doctor created a [[sonic spoon]] in the interim for the time being. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Blood Cell (novel)|The Blood Cell]]'') The Doctor had given Clara one of his screwdrivers when they faced the [[Fracture]]s but had forgotten to reclaim it, leading his companion to keep it for herself. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Clara Oswald and the School of Death (comic story)|Clara Oswald and the School of Death]]'') Ultimately, he left one of his screwdrivers with [[Davros]] after abandoning him as a child. Davros had this screwdriver in his possession for many years after. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Magician's Apprentice (TV story)|The Magician's Apprentice]], [[The Witch's Familiar (TV story)|The Witch's Familiar]]'') During his youth, Davros studied the device, deducing its alien origins and modifying the output of its [[laser]] to act as a true [[weapon]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Last of the Dals (short story)|The Last of the Dals]]'') By the time that Davros was dying and had sent [[Colony Sarff]] to collect the Doctor, the screwdriver had become heavily damaged and inoperable, visibly weather-beaten from exposure to war and conflict, and with one of the clawed prongs broken off. Sarff presented the ruined screwdriver to the Doctor as Davros's calling card. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Magician's Apprentice (TV story)|The Magician's Apprentice]], [[The Witch's Familiar (TV story)|The Witch's Familiar]]'')
 
The Doctor eventually declared that he was "over" sonic screwdrivers, saying that they "spoil the line of your jacket". He replaced the screwdriver with a pair of [[sonic sunglasses]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Witch's Familiar (TV story)|The Witch's Familiar]]'')
 
However, he did not keep this promise, as he used this sonic screwdriver several times afterwards. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Clara Oswald and the School of Death (comic story)|Clara Oswald and the School of Death]]'', ''[[The Fourth Wall (comic story)|The Fourth Wall]]'')
 
[[File:Tulpa sonic screwdriver.jpg|thumb|left|The Twelfth Doctor's blue version. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Tulpa (comic story)|Tulpa]]'')]]
When the Eleventh Doctor met the Tenth Doctor in [[England]], [[1562]], upon the latter realising that the former was a future incarnation of himself, they both got out their sonic screwdrivers. The Eleventh Doctor immediately showed off how much bigger his was, to which the Tenth Doctor claimed that his future incarnation was compensating, remarking that "[[regeneration]], it's a [[lottery]]." ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')
 
Despite having since replaced it, a version of this screwdriver was kept in the Twelfth Doctor's [[The Doctor's office (The Pilot)|office]] at [[St Luke's University]] along with most of its predecessors. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]]'')
 
At one point during his travels with [[Bill Potts]], the Twelfth Doctor had a version of this sonic design in the colour scheme of his second sonic screwdriver. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Tulpa (comic story)|Tulpa]]'')
 
=== Uses ===
==== Security ====
The sonic screwdriver could bypass locks for a variety of objects, including doors ([[TV]]: ''[[Flesh and Stone (TV story)|Flesh and Stone]]'', etc.), padlocks, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Hungry Earth (TV story)|The Hungry Earth]]'') vent gratings, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Almost People (TV story)|The Almost People]]'', ''[[Time Heist (TV story)|Time Heist]]''), airlocks ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Spirits of the Jungle (comic story)|Spirits of the Jungle]]'') and restraints. ([[TV]]: ''[[Day of the Moon (TV story)|Day of the Moon]]'', ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]'') These functions also included electronic locks and security systems. ([[TV]]: ''[[Flesh and Stone (TV story)|Flesh and Stone]]'', etc.) It could also close or fuse objects shut. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Almost People (TV story)|The Almost People]]'', ''[[A Good Man Goes to War (TV story)|A Good Man Goes to War]]'', etc.)
 
The sonic screwdriver could also disable disguising devices, such as voice modulators ([[TV]]: ''[[The Snowmen (TV story)|The Snowmen]]'') and cloaking devices. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'') It could also unlock control panels, ([[GAME]]: ''[[City of the Daleks (video game)|City of the Daleks]]'') disable defence systems, ([[TV]]: ''[[A Town Called Mercy (TV story)|A Town Called Mercy]]'') reveal secret passageways ([[TV]]: ''[[The God Complex (TV story)|The God Complex]]'', ''[[The Name of the Doctor (TV story)|The Name of the Doctor]]'') and open machine components. ([[TV]]: ''[[Victory of the Daleks (TV story)|Victory of the Daleks]]'', ''[[Into the Dalek (TV story)|Into the Dalek]]'', etc.)
 
Due to its link with the [[The Doctor's TARDIS|TARDIS]], the sonic screwdriver could lock its doors, even from great distances. ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold Blood (TV story)|Cold Blood]]'', ''[[The Doctor's Wife (TV story)|The Doctor's Wife]]'') It could also bypass the security measures on the [[Pandorica]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Big Bang (TV story)|The Big Bang]]'') However, sonic screwdriver could not unlock deadlock seals, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of Angels (TV story)|The Time of Angels]]'') [[primitive]] locks ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'') or [[wood]]en doors. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Hungry Earth (TV story)|The Hungry Earth]]'')
 
==== Medical ====
The sonic screwdriver could perform medical scans on lifeforms to determine various purposes, such as whether they were alive or injured, ([[TV]]: ''[[Closing Time (TV story)|Closing Time]]'', ''[[The Bells of Saint John (TV story)|The Bells of Saint John]]'') severity of injuries ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold Blood (TV story)|Cold Blood]]'', etc.) and how long dying individuals had left. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor's Wife (TV story)|The Doctor's Wife]]'') It could also investigate for outside influences and determine how integrated parasites were in the host's body. ([[TV]]: ''[[Amy's Choice (TV story)|Amy's Choice]]'') The sonic screwdriver could also heal injuries ([[TV]]: ''[[The Vampires of Venice (TV story)|The Vampires of Venice]]'') and scan bodies to determine the cause of death. ([[TV]]: ''[[The God Complex (TV story)|The God Complex]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could also stun various lifeforms, ([[TV]]: ''[[Day of the Moon (TV story)|Day of the Moon]]'', [[GAME]]: ''[[The Gunpowder Plot (video game)|The Gunpowder Plot]]'') please a [[Krafayis]], ([[TV]]: ''[[Vincent and the Doctor (TV story)|Vincent and the Doctor]]'') and overload a [[star whale]]'s haemo-receptors, causing it to regurgitate. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Beast Below (TV story)|The Beast Below]]'') It could also remove [[dream crab]]s from victims by electrifying its nerve centres. ([[TV]]: ''[[Last Christmas (TV story)|Last Christmas]]'') After analysing [[the Flesh]], the sonic screwdriver was able to determine the difference between humans and [[ganger]]s and dissolve the latter. ([[TV]] ''[[The Rebel Flesh (TV story)|The Rebel Flesh]]'' / ''[[The Almost People (TV story)|The Almost People]]'') Using a recently added anti-freeze setting, the Eleventh Doctor was able to melt the [[Ice Governess]], though this did not work later when she reformed. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Snowmen (TV story)|The Snowmen]]'')
 
==== Diagnostic ====
The sonic screwdriver was often used to scan objects, often to gather information about them or look for technology. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Beast Below (TV story)|The Beast Below]]'', etc.) This ranged from [[apple]]s and locks of hair ([[TV]]: ''[[Robot of Sherwood (TV story)|Robot of Sherwood]]'') to chemical solutions ([[TV]]: ''[[Death Is the Only Answer (TV story)|Death is the Only Answer]]'') and [[time field|cracks in time and space]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Flesh and Stone (TV story)|Flesh and Stone]]'') These functions also extended to living creatures and plantlife. ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors (TV story)|Night Terrors]]'', ''[[Flatline (TV story)|Flatline]]'', etc.)
 
When used on technology, the sonic screwdriver would determine a device's function, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Beast Below (TV story)|The Beast Below]]'') how advanced it was, ([[TV]]: ''[[A Town Called Mercy (TV story)|A Town Called Mercy]]'') the nature of their controls ([[TV]]: ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]])'' and if they were connected to other devices. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Big Bang (TV story)|The Big Bang]]'') The Doctor would also use it to scan for information on computers and database systems. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of Angels (TV story)|The Time of Angels]]'', ''[[The Wedding of River Song (TV story)|The Wedding of River Song]]'') In conjunction with a satellite dish, the Eleventh Doctor once used the sonic screwdriver to locate his TARDIS. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Big Bang (TV story)|The Big Bang]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver could also detect heat signatures, ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold Blood (TV story)|Cold Blood]]'', [[PROSE]]: ''[[The Dreaming (short story)|The Dreaming]]'') magnetic fields, ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Dalek Project (comic story)|The Dalek Project]]'') electrical interference and chemical emissions within an area. ([[TV]]: ''[[Closing Time (TV story)|Closing Time]]'') It could also detect transmission signals, even trace both its source and receivers. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pandorica Opens (TV story)|The Pandorica Opens]]'', ''[[The Doctor's Wife (TV story)|The Doctor's Wife]]'')
 
The sonic screwdriver was also used to run calculations, such as when [[Skovox Blitzer]] would rematerialize. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Caretaker (TV story)|The Caretaker]]'') It could also run these as a subroutine, though the Doctor could check their progress. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')
 
==== Technology ====
* Isolating the lighting so that the [[Weeping Angel]]s could not drain the power. ([[TV]]: ''[[Flesh and Stone (TV story)|Flesh and Stone]]'')
* Redirecting all the power to the doors in order to open them. ([[TV]]: ''[[Flesh and Stone (TV story)|Flesh and Stone]]'')
* Uploading proximity-alerting software to Amy's communicator. ([[TV]]: ''[[Flesh and Stone (TV story)|Flesh and Stone]]'')
* Detecting the location of lights. ([[TV]]: ''[[Amy's Choice (TV story)|Amy's Choice]]'')
* Exploding lightbulbs. ([[TV]]: ''[[Amy's Choice (TV story)|Amy's Choice]]'')
* Hacking into computer records. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Hungry Earth (TV story)|The Hungry Earth]]'')
* Activating bio-programmed soil. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Hungry Earth (TV story)|The Hungry Earth]]'')
* Disabling [[Silurian]] [[Silurian blaster|weapons]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold Blood (TV story)|Cold Blood]]'')
* Accessing the [[Visualiser]] eye and repowering it. ([[GAME]]: ''[[City of the Daleks (video game)|City of the Daleks]]'')
* Tampering with the [[Dalek Emperor (City of the Daleks)|Dalek Emperor]]'s casing. ([[GAME]]: ''[[City of the Daleks (video game)|City of the Daleks]]'')
* Activating a Dalek console trap. ([[GAME]]: ''[[City of the Daleks (video game)|City of the Daleks]]'')
* Constructing a [[Dalek Vision Disruptor]]. ([[GAME]]: ''[[City of the Daleks (video game)|City of the Daleks]]'')
* Fixing platform lift control panels. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Blood of the Cybermen (video game)|Blood of the Cybermen]]'')
* Disassembling a [[Chronon Blocker]]. ([[GAME]]: ''[[TARDIS (video game)|TARDIS]]'')
* Activating emergency light switches. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Shadows of the Vashta Nerada (video game)|Shadows of the Vashta Nerada]]'')
* Turning on the lights inside a generator. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Shadows of the Vashta Nerada (video game)|Shadows of the Vashta Nerada]]'')
* Setting the TARDIS on its "adventure setting". ([[TV]]: ''[[Good as Gold (TV story)|Good as Gold]]'')
* Unsuccessfully attempting to free [[Sophie (The Lodger)|Sophie]]'s hand from the time ship console. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Lodger (TV story)|The Lodger]]'')
* Changing a [[hologram]] between its different forms. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Lodger (TV story)|The Lodger]]'')
* To send a signal through to [[Amy Pond|Amy]]'s communicator to help guide her through a forest. ([[TV]]: ''[[Flesh and Stone (TV story)|Flesh and Stone]]'')
* Scrambling a Cyberarm's circuits. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pandorica Opens (TV story)|The Pandorica Opens]]'')
* Giving orders to androids. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The War of Art (WEB short story)|The War of Art]]'')
* To reconfigure the binaries in the TARDIS. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Evacuation Earth (video game)|Evacuation Earth]]'')
* Disabling a force field. ([[TV]]: ''[[A Good Man Goes to War (TV story)|A Good Man Goes to War]]'')
* Hailing the [[Eleventh Doctor]]'s [[sonic cane]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler (TV story)|Let's Kill Hitler]]'')
* Disabling privileges from the ''[[Teselecta]]''{{'}}s crew. ([[TV]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler (TV story)|Let's Kill Hitler]]'')
* Activating [[George Thompson|George]]'s [[toy]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors (TV story)|Night Terrors]]'')
* Detaching the view glass from the visitation facility. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl Who Waited (TV story)|The Girl Who Waited]]'')
* Augmenting the view glass to work disconnected. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl Who Waited (TV story)|The Girl Who Waited]]'')
* Locking on to Amy's timestream. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl Who Waited (TV story)|The Girl Who Waited]]'')
* Switching off CCTV monitors. ([[TV]]: ''[[The God Complex (TV story)|The God Complex]]'')
* Repairing and activating a lift. ([[TV]]: ''[[Closing Time (TV story)|Closing Time]]'')
* Fusing the controls of a [[Cyberman#Cybermen of the Cyber Legions|Cyberman]] teleporter. ([[TV]]: ''[[Closing Time (TV story)|Closing Time]]'')
* Overloading/imploding a Cybermat; unfortunately wiping its memory in the process. ([[TV]]: ''[[Closing Time (TV story)|Closing Time]])''
* Repairing the controls of a Cyberman teleporter and using it. ([[TV]]: ''[[Closing Time (TV story)|Closing Time]]'')
* Taking apart a [[Supreme Dalek (The Wedding of River Song)|Supreme Dalek]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Wedding of River Song (TV story)|The Wedding of River Song]]'')
* Freezing the ''Teselecta'' in place; this caused sparks to fly inside of it. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Wedding of River Song (TV story)|The Wedding of River Song]]'')
* Reprogramming [[Proto-Dalek]]s to recognise Daleks as enemies. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Dalek Project (comic story)|The Dalek Project]]'')
* Used to help with rewiring the TARDIS; he told Lilly it was because the light in his "wardrobe" wasn't working, claiming it was the reason he dressed as he did. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (TV story)|The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe]]'')
* Deleting an answering machine message from the phone the message was made from. ([[WC]]: ''[[Pond Life (webcast)|Pond Life]]'')
* Activating the reverse in a badly damaged, insane Dalek's casing to send it into other insane Daleks (as it was going to self-destruct). ([[TV]]: ''[[Asylum of the Daleks (TV story)|Asylum of the Daleks]]'')
* Taking apart the device emitting the [[Silurian Ark]]'s signal, and activating it upon placing it in [[Solomon (Dinosaurs on a Spaceship)|Solomon]]'s ship. ([[TV]]: ''[[Dinosaurs on a Spaceship (TV story)|Dinosaurs on a Spaceship]]'')
* Disabling the [[android]] the [[Shakri]] put on [[Earth]] to control the [[Shakri cube]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Power of Three (TV story)|The Power of Three]]'')
* Reversing the Shakri's programming of the cubes to jump-start the hearts of the humans they previously stopped. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Power of Three (TV story)|The Power of Three]]'')
* Reversing a [[friction amper]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Cornucopia Caper (comic story)|The Cornucopia Caper]]'')
* Overloading a light bulb, creating a blinding light, to act as a distraction to escape the Angels. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Angels Take Manhattan (TV story)|The Angels Take Manhattan]]'')
* Getting rid of the shield that was blocking the Ice Governess and putting a new one behind the Doctor and Clara ([[TV]]: ''[[The Snowmen (TV story)|The Snowmen]]'')
* Seemingly adding an extra layer of super-dense water vapour to keep the Ice Governess "trapped for the moment" ([[TV]]: ''[[The Snowmen (TV story)|The Snowmen]]'')
* Shattering a glass window ([[TV]]: ''[[The Bells of Saint John (TV story)|The Bells of Saint John]]'', ''[[Flatline (TV story)|Flatline]]'')
* Turning off the TARDIS [[Anti-gravity|anti-grav]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Name of the Doctor (TV story)|The Name of the Doctor]]'')
* Activating the memory-erasing device in the [[Black Archive]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')
* Ringing the bell in [[Christmas (town)|Christmas]]' Clock Tower. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'')
* Bluffing a [[wooden Cyberman]] into thinking that he sent a signal to its flamethrower so it would reverse its direction as soon as it tried to fire. Though a [[Truth Field]] was active, the Cyberman was not told the screwdriver couldn't affect wood. It pointed its weapon backwards, thinking it would reset, and killed itself by accident. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'')
* Sealing a damage crack within a Dalek. ([[TV]]: ''[[Into the Dalek (TV story)|Into the Dalek]]'')
* Activating a holographic scanner. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Caretaker (TV story)|The Caretaker]]'')
* Leading the [[Skovox Blitzer]] to [[Coal Hill School]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Caretaker (TV story)|The Caretaker]]'')
* Attracting the attention of the Skovox Blitzer with pulses of [[helicon energy]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Caretaker (TV story)|The Caretaker]]'')
* Transferring a video phone message to a screen monitor. ([[TV]]: ''[[Kill the Moon (TV story)|Kill the Moon]]'')
* Activating and altering a 3D projection. ([[TV]]: ''[[Kill the Moon (TV story)|Kill the Moon]]'')
* Altering a phone so it would work wireless. ([[TV]]: ''[[Mummy on the Orient Express (TV story)|Mummy on the Orient Express]]'')
* Changing a train signal from green to red. ([[TV]]: ''[[Flatline (TV story)|Flatline]]'')
* Detecting the location of a mobile phone. ([[TV]]: ''[[In the Forest of the Night (TV story)|In the Forest of the Night]]'')
* Activating an [[emotional inhibitor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Death in Heaven (TV story)|Death in Heaven]]'')
* Using energy waves from android weapons to recharge a teleport bracelet. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Witch's Familiar (TV story)|The Witch's Familiar]]'')
 
==== Amplification ====
The sonic screwdriver was capable of amplifying various forms of energy beams. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Beast Below (TV story)|The Beast Below]]'') It could also be used to amplify signals ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of Angels (TV story)|The Time of Angels]]'', [[PROSE]]: ''[[Let it Snow (short story)|Let it Snow]]'') and other sonic devices. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl Who Waited (TV story)|The Girl Who Waited]]'') The sonic screwdriver was mainly used to amplify soundwaves and was occasionally used as a microphone. ([[TV]]: ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'', ''[[The God Complex (TV story)|The God Complex]]'') It could also create loud noises to draw attention or distract opponents. ([[TV]]: ''[[The God Complex (TV story)|The God Complex]]'', ''[[A Town Called Mercy (TV story)|A Town Called Mercy]]'') The Twelfth Doctor also used it to create a field of localised [[gravity]] ([[TV]]: ''[[In the Forest of the Night (TV story)|In the Forest of the Night]]'') and an acoustic corridor with a 50 foot range. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Magician's Apprentice (TV story)|The Magician's Apprentice]]'')
 
==== Other ====
* As a torch with blue light. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Beast Below (TV story)|The Beast Below]]'', ''[[Closing Time (TV story)|Closing Time]]'', ''[[The Angels Take Manhattan (TV story)|The Angels Take Manhattan]]'')
* It was voice activated, coded to the [[Eleventh Doctor]]'s voice. ([[TV]]: ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]'')
* Blocking out the effects of [[perception filter]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Vampires of Venice (TV story)|The Vampires of Venice]]'')
* Giving a [[Cybermat]] a "Cyber-Migraine". ([[GAME]]: ''[[Blood of the Cybermen (video game)|Blood of the Cybermen]]'')
* Distracting Cybermats. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Blood of the Cybermen (video game)|Blood of the Cybermen]]'')
* Heating [[water]] and ice. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Blood of the Cybermen (video game)|Blood of the Cybermen]]'')
* Destroying a [[Weeping Angel (Good as Gold)|Weeping Angel]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Good as Gold (TV story)|Good as Gold]]'')
* Lighting flaming torches. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pandorica Opens (TV story)|The Pandorica Opens]]'')
* Heating up a [[tea]]pot. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Snowfall (novel)|Snowfall]]'')
* As a lure to attract a [[sky fish]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'')
* Attempting self-reconstruction via signalling its other half; it failed at this and was left behind by the Doctor to be replaced by a similar sonic screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'')
* Protecting two versions of [[Rory Williams]] from falling victim to the [[Blinovitch Limitation Effect]] ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Touched by an Angel (novel)|Touched by an Angel]]'')
* Damaging a [[Cyber-ship]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[A Good Man Goes to War (TV story)|A Good Man Goes to War]]'')
* Disarming [[River Song|Melody Pond]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler (TV story)|Let's Kill Hitler]]'')
* Igniting a cannon. ([[GAME]]: ''[[The Gunpowder Plot (video game)|The Gunpowder Plot]]'')
* Destroying the [[Star of Solitude]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Cornucopia Caper (comic story)|The Cornucopia Caper]]'')
* Opens and closing Dalek [[Transmat]] portals. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Dalek Project (comic story)|The Dalek Project]]'')
* Holding a heavy door with an acoustic lock open in the [[pyramid]] of the rings of [[Akhaten]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Rings of Akhaten (TV story)|The Rings of Akhaten]]'')
* Deflecting sound-based attacks utilised by the [[Vigil]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Rings of Akhaten (TV story)|The Rings of Akhaten]]'')
* Tracking the location of [[Grand Marshall]] [[Skaldak]] as he sneaked around out of his armour. ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold War (TV story)|Cold War]]'')
* Receiving a signal from [[the TARDIS]] indicating that it had returned and indicating its location. ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold War (TV story)|Cold War]]'')
* Enhancing the power of an arsenal of bombs. ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold War (TV story)|Cold War]]'')
* Relaxing the grip from someone's hand. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Shroud of Sorrow (novel)|Shroud of Sorrow]]'')
* Combining power with the [[Tenth Doctor|Tenth]] and [[War Doctor]]'s sonic screwdrivers to create a sonic force field to blast back and destroy an attacking [[Dalek]] in the [[Time War]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Day of the Doctor (TV story)|The Day of the Doctor]]'')
* Used for centuries as a weapon against his greatest enemies during the [[Siege of Trenzalore]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'')
* Disconnecting a horse's reins. ([[TV]]: ''[[Deep Breath (TV story)|Deep Breath]]'')
* Tracking a radiation signal. ([[TV]]: ''[[Into the Dalek (TV story)|Into the Dalek]]'')
* Blowing up an [[archery]] target. ([[TV]]: ''[[Robot of Sherwood (TV story)|Robot of Sherwood]]'')
* Driving off "[[skunkey]]s" which were attacking Clara. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Terrorformer (comic story)|Terrorformer]]'')
* Sending the [[Boneless]] back to their dimension. ([[TV]]: ''[[Flatline (TV story)|Flatline]]'')
* Granting a [[football]] referee's glasses the ability to watch every football game in the galaxy. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Bow-ties for Goal Posts (comic story)|Bow-ties for Goal Posts]]'')
* Connecting to the Doctor's [[Bookface]] account and projecting its posts. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Timeliney Wimey (comic story)|Timeliney Wimey]]'')
* Creating a noise deafening to [[Sea Devil]]s. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Clara Oswald and the School of Death (comic story)|Clara Oswald and the School of Death]]'')


== The Twelfth Doctor's second screwdriver ==
== The Twelfth Doctor's second screwdriver ==
[[File:Twelfth doctor's sonic screwdriver.jpg|thumb|The Doctor tests out his new screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]'')]]
{{Main|Twelfth Doctor's second sonic screwdriver}}
After spending a period of time using a combination of [[sonic sunglasses]] and his green-emitter sonic screwdriver, ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Clara Oswald and the School of Death (comic story)|Clara Oswald and the School of Death]]'') the Twelfth Doctor was gifted a new model by the TARDIS.
The Twelfth Doctor would be gifted a different model of sonic screwdriver by the TARDIS after saying a final farewell to Clara. It was a larger mechanical model, ([[TV]]: ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]'') which he used in conjunction with his sonic sunglasses. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Husbands of River Song (TV story)|The Husbands of River Song]]'', ''[[Extremis (TV story)|Extremis]]'') After his regeneration, the Thirteenth Doctor would lose this screwdriver after falling out of the TARDIS. ([[TV]]: ''[[Twice Upon a Time (TV story)|Twice Upon a Time]]'')
 
While one account showed him gaining it after he had found [[Gallifrey]] at the [[end of the universe]], ([[TV]]: ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]'') another account depicted him using it whilst travelling with [[Clara Oswald]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Day at the Doctors (comic story)|The Day at the Doctors]]'')
 
This new model had a very mechanical and complicated-looking, TARDIS blue, metal handle with multiple emitters, once again resembling the inner structure of the [[time rotor]] itself. The emitter was once again blue in colour, and the ring of emitters could all light up in a circling motion when activated. ([[TV]]: ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]'') He continued to use his sonic sunglasses as well, thus giving him two choices of sonic instruments. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Husbands of River Song (TV story)|The Husbands of River Song]]'', ''[[Extremis (TV story)|Extremis]]'')
 
This screwdriver could glow blue, ([[TV]]: ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]'') red, ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Robo Rampage (comic story)|Robo Rampage]]'') or green. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Gallery (comic story)|Gallery]]'', [[TV]]: ''[[For Tonight We Might Die (TV story)|For Tonight We Might Die]]'') It was still ineffectual against [[wood]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Empress of Mars (TV story)|Empress of Mars]]'')
 
The Doctor sometimes attached this screwdriver to his guitar so that he could use both at the same time. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Pestilent Heart (comic story)|The Pestilent Heart]]'')
 
When the Doctor was stuck in [[1972]], the screwdriver "ran out of juice" and the Doctor was unable to charge it because he was without his TARDIS. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Moving In (comic story)|Moving In]]'')
 
After regenerating into the [[Thirteenth Doctor]], the TARDIS console room exploded due to the damage it took from the intensity of the regeneration energy. The Doctor was thrown out of the TARDIS from the explosion, causing her to free fall to the Earth's surface. ([[TV]]: ''[[Twice Upon a Time (TV story)|Twice Upon a Time]]'') As she fell, she lost this sonic screwdriver along with everything else in her pockets. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Woman Who Fell to Earth (TV story)|The Woman Who Fell to Earth]]'')
=== Uses ===
==== Security ====
The sonic screwdriver was capable of opening and closing a variety of locks, including those for doors, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Return of Doctor Mysterio (TV story)|The Return of Doctor Mysterio]]'', [[COMIC]]: ''[[The Twist (comic story)|The Twist]]'') windows ([[TV]]: ''[[The Return of Doctor Mysterio (TV story)|The Return of Doctor Mysterio]]'') and secret passageways. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Twist (comic story)|The Twist]]'') It was also used to update the security features on {{Gomez}}'s [[Vault (The Pilot)|prison vault]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]]'')
 
==== Medical ====
The sonic screwdriver could diagnose diseases ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Pestilent Heart (comic story)|The Pestilent Heart]]'') and scan lifeforms for outside influences. ([[TV]]: ''[[For Tonight We Might Die (TV story)|For Tonight We Might Die]]'', ''[[The Return of Doctor Mysterio (TV story)|The Return of Doctor Mysterio]]'')
 
==== Diagnostic ====
The sonic screwdriver could scan various forms of technology to learn of their functions. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smile (TV story)|Smile]]'') It could also scan doors for security features and opening combinations. ([[TV]]: ''[[Oxygen (TV story)|Oxygen]]'', ''[[The Pyramid at the End of the World (TV story)|The Pyramid at the End of the World]]'', ''[[World Enough and Time (TV story)|World Enough and Time]]'') The sonic screwdriver could detect temporal distortions ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Stockbridge Showdown (comic story)|The Stockbridge Showdown]]'') and trace transmission signals. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Pestilent Heart (comic story)|The Pestilent Heart]]'') It could also be used to detect life readings within an area ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Gallery (comic story)|Gallery]]'') and determine the authenticity of a person by checking their memories. ([[TV]]: ''[[Twice Upon a Time (TV story)|Twice Upon a Time]]'')
 
==== Technology ====
* Using the power cell of the ''[[Harmony and Redemption]]'' to push its thrusters. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Husbands of River Song (TV story)|The Husbands of River Song]]'')
* Repairing a damaged time ship. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Ghosts of the Seas (comic story)|Ghosts of the Seas]]'')
* Disassembling [[K2]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Robo Rampage (comic story)|Robo Rampage]]'')
* Activating [[Charles Abbott]]'s [[Incredulitas 4]] pen to teleport him into [[the writer's block]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Shock Horror (comic story)|Shock Horror]]'')
* Scanning the control panels of a spaceship. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Return of Doctor Mysterio (TV story)|The Return of Doctor Mysterio]]'')
* Activating lights projectors. ([[TV]]: ''[[Oxygen (TV story)|Oxygen]]'', ''[[World Enough and Time (TV story)|World Enough and Time]]'') Likewise, it could also turn them off. ([[TV]]: ''[[Extremis (TV story)|Extremis]]'')
* Reversing and erasing the command programmes of the [[Vardy]] microbots, causing them to forget their original directives. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smile (TV story)|Smile]]'')
* Transmitting a signal to redirect the detonator for explosives. ([[TV]]: ''[[Thin Ice (TV story)|Thin Ice]]'')
* Frying the circuits of a [[smartsuit]], albeit being broken itself in the process. ([[TV]]: ''[[Oxygen (TV story)|Oxygen]]'')
 
==== Utility ====
* Removing a [[paint]] can's lid. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Gallery (comic story)|Gallery]]'')
* Closing a tear in space-time. ([[TV]]: ''[[For Tonight We Might Die (TV story)|For Tonight We Might Die]]'')
* Combine with Missy's [[sonic umbrella]] to successfully create a force field strong enough to delay a [[Cyberman (Mondas)|fully evolved Cybermen]] long enough for Bill's cybernetic energy blast and the Master's [[Laser screwdriver]] to disable it. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]'')
 
==== Other ====
* Blowing up a school. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Haunted (short story)|Haunted]]'')
* Temporarily stunning [[Alien (Gallery)|an alien]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Gallery (comic story)|Gallery]]'')
* Defending himself against [[Yeti]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Day at the Doctors (comic story)|The Day at the Doctors]]'')
* Increasing the voltage of the lights at [[Coal Hill Academy]] to break the solid form of [[Corakinus]] and the [[Shadow Kin]] ([[TV]]: ''[[For Tonight We Might Die (TV story)|For Tonight We Might Die]]'')
* Zapping a gun out of [[Brock (The Return of Doctor Mysterio)|Brock]]'s hand. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Return of Doctor Mysterio (TV story)|The Return of Doctor Mysterio]]'')
* Dissipating [[Ethan Hall|the Smoke]]'s particles. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Ghost Stories (comic story)|Ghost Stories]]'')
* It can create a buzzing sound to attract attention and act as a torch, ([[TV]]: ''[[Knock Knock (TV story)|Knock Knock]])'' even under water. ([[TV]]: ''[[Thin Ice (TV story)|Thin Ice]]'')
* The head can be removed to reveal a red highlighter pen which the Doctor can use to write with. ([[TV]]: ''[[World Enough and Time (TV story)|World Enough and Time]]'')
* Could act as a communicator with Nardole and download the software from Nardole's computer, enabling it to incinerate and blast numerous types of Cybermen and ignite the entirety of [[Floor 0507]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Falls (TV story)|The Doctor Falls]]'')
 
== The Thirteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver ==
== The Thirteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver ==
[[File:Sonic-3.jpg|thumb|The [[Thirteenth Doctor]]'s newly created sonic. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Woman Who Fell to Earth (TV story)|The Woman Who Fell to Earth]]'')]]
{{Main|Thirteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver}}
Due to losing everything in her [[pocket]]s following her [[regeneration]] and fall, the [[Thirteenth Doctor]] lost [[Twelfth Doctor|her previous incarnation's]] sonic screwdriver (and sonic sunglasses). As a result, the Doctor chose to build one of her own using 21st century Earth components in a workshop in [[Sheffield]]. This one was far simpler in appearance than the last screwdriver with a simple [[steel]] body made from melted [[Spoon|spoons]], and a crystal on the tip that glowed [[Amber (colour)|amber]] while in use, taken from a [[Stenza]] [[Tzim-Sha's pod|transport chamber]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Woman Who Fell to Earth (TV story)|The Woman Who Fell to Earth]]'')
The [[Thirteenth Doctor]] created a replacement sonic screwdriver out of "[[Sheffield]] [[steel]]". It was unique from previous sonic screwdrivers in that it had a changeable, curved handle, allowing for a more natural grip. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Woman Who Fell to Earth (TV story)|The Woman Who Fell to Earth]]'') This screwdriver would be destroyed shortly after the Thirteenth Doctor's regneration at the [[Dalek Dome]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Liberation of the Daleks (comic story)|Liberation of the Daleks]]'')


It was unique from previous sonic screwdrivers in that it had a changeable handle as opposed to a changeable emitter, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Woman Who Fell to Earth (TV story)|The Woman who Fell to Earth]]'') which had previously either had interchangeable heads, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sea Devils (TV story)|The Sea Devils]]'' - ''[[The Visitation (TV story)|The Visitation]]'') an extendable emitter, ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones (TV story)|Smith and Jones]]'' - ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'') "claws" deployed when the sonic was activated, ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]] ''- ''[[Last Christmas (TV story)|Last Christmas]]'') or a large emitter glowing in a rotating fashion. ([[TV]]: ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]'' - ''[[Twice Upon a Time (TV story)|Twice Upon a Time]]'') It was also the first of the Doctor's sonic devices to have a curved handle, allowing for a more natural grip.
== The Fourteenth Doctor's screwdriver ==
 
{{main|Fourteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver}}
Comparing it to a [[Swiss Army knife]], but without the knife, the Doctor explained that it functioned not only as a [[screwdriver]], but as a [[scanner]] and a [[tin opener]], and it could be used for diagnostics. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Woman Who Fell to Earth (TV story)|The Woman Who Fell to Earth]]'')
In his [[fourteenth incarnation]], the Doctor began utilising [[Fourteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver|a new model of sonic screwdriver]] ([[WC]]: {{cs|The Fourteenth Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver (webcast)}}, [[PROSE]]: {{cs|Super Sonic (feature)|page=36-37}}) after [[Thirteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver|the screwdriver]] belonging to the [[Thirteenth Doctor]] was destroyed. ([[COMIC]]: {{cs|Liberation of the Daleks (comic story)}}) The Fourteenth Doctor's screwdriver physically resembled previous screwdrivers. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Super Sonic (feature)|page=36-37}})
 
It had a self-rebooting feature, allowing it to restore power if drained. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Tsuranga Conundrum (TV story)|The Tsuranga Conundrum]]'') It could not work on machinery if the power cells were fluctuating. ([[TV]]: ''[[Kerblam! (TV story)|Kerblam!]]'')
 
When a [[Thijarian remnant]] sample overloaded the sonic, for having too many inputs, the Doctor noted that this had never happened before. This was because of the immeasurably high [[density]] of this substance, containing the remains of [[Thijar]] and all their ancestors. ([[TV]]: ''[[Demons of the Punjab (TV story)|Demons of the Punjab]]'') On another occasion, the sonic could calculate such an impossible density, but that "density [blew its] mind". ([[TV]]: ''[[The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos (TV story)|The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos]]'') To the Doctor's extreme surprise, her sonic could be rendered inoperative by [[reconnaissance scout]] [[Dalek]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[Resolution (TV story)|Resolution]]'') If its way is cleared, the Doctor can summon the sonic screwdriver to her hand. ([[TV]]: ''[[Can You Hear Me? (TV story)|Can You Hear Me?]]'')
 
This screwdriver would later be temporarily inherited by the [[Fourteenth Doctor]], who would make use of it at the [[Dalek Dome]], until its destruction at the hands of the [[Supreme Dalek (Liberation of the Daleks)|Supreme Dalek]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Liberation of the Daleks (comic story)|Liberation of the Daleks]]'')
 
=== Uses ===
==== Diagnostic ====
* Scanning technology, like the [[Stenza]] [[Tzim-Sha's pod|transport pod]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Woman Who Fell to Earth (TV story)|The Woman Who Fell to Earth]]'')
* Scanning for [[artron energy]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rosa (TV story)|Rosa]]'', ''[[Demons of the Punjab (TV story)|Demons of the Punjab]]'')
* Determining the current location as Northern [[Punjab]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Demons of the Punjab (TV story)|Demons of the Punjab]]'')
* Scanning reanimated [[corpse]]s to find out what is animating them. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Witchfinders (TV story)|The Witchfinders]]'')
* Scanning objects to understand their components and properties. ([[TV]]: ''[[Kerblam! (TV story)|Kerblam!]]'', ''[[The Witchfinders (TV story)|The Witchfinders]]'', ''[[The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos (TV story)|The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos]]'')
* Identifying both [[The Doctor (Fugitive of the Judoon)|Ruth]] and [[Lee Clayton|Lee]] as human. ([[TV]]: ''[[Fugitive of the Judoon (TV story)|Fugitive of the Judoon]]'')
* Identifying the Doctor's DNA in two separate incarnations. ([[TV]]: ''[[Fugitive of the Judoon (TV story)|Fugitive of the Judoon]]'')
* Identifying the bio-organic code of [[Zellin]] via his detached fingers. ([[TV]]: ''[[Can You Hear Me? (TV story)|Can You Hear Me?]]'')
* Identifying the age and species of a human skeletal hand. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Haunting of Villa Diodati (TV story)|The Haunting of Villa Diodati]]'')
 
==== Security ====
* Reactivating the [[Morax (species)|Morax]] [[Pendle Hill|prison]] lock. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Witchfinders (TV story)|The Witchfinders]]'')
 
==== Technology ====
* Removing [[DNA bomb]]s from [[Graham O'Brien|Graham]], [[Grace O'Brien|Grace]], [[Ryan Sinclair|Ryan]] and [[Yasmin Khan|Yaz's]] [[collarbone]]s and installing them into a [[Stenza]] [[gathering coil]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Woman Who Fell to Earth (TV story)|The Woman Who Fell to Earth]]'')
* Signalling and summoning [[the TARDIS]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Ghost Monument (TV story)|The Ghost Monument]]'', [[COMIC]]: ''[[A New Beginning (comic story)|A New Beginning]]'', [[TV]]: ''[[The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos (TV story)|The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos]]'')
* Accessing spacecraft databases. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Tsuranga Conundrum (TV story)|The Tsuranga Conundrum]]'', ''[[Demons of the Punjab (TV story)|Demons of the Punjab]]'')
* Reprogramming a [[robot (A New Beginning)|robot]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[A New Beginning (comic story)|A New Beginning]]'')
* Operating a [[transmat]] or [[teleport]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Demons of the Punjab (TV story)|Demons of the Punjab]]'', ''[[Kerblam! (TV story)|Kerblam!]]'')
* Creating false data on a computer. ([[TV]]: ''[[Kerblam! (TV story)|Kerblam!]]'')
* Blocking a Dalek's connection to its [[gunstick]] while not fully synchronised. ([[TV]]: ''[[Resolution (TV story)|Resolution]]'')
*Deactivating [[Psychic shield|psychic shields]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Liberation of the Daleks (comic story)|Liberation of the Daleks]]'')
 
==== Utility ====
* Opening a [[hatch]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Ghost Monument (TV story)|The Ghost Monument]]'')
* Unlocking a [[padlock]]ed door. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rosa (TV story)|Rosa]]'')
* Unlocking an [[apartment]] door. ([[TV]]: ''[[Arachnids in the UK (TV story)|Arachnids in the UK]]'')
* Untying a [[knot]] in a [[rope]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Demons of the Punjab (TV story)|Demons of the Punjab]]'')
* Lighting a [[candle]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Dr. Thirteenth (novel)|Dr. Thirteenth]]'')
* Opening the door of a train ([[TV]]: ''[[Nikola Tesla's Night of Terror (TV story)|Nikola Tesla's Night of Terror]]'')
* Unlocking holding cells used by [[Zellin]] and [[Rakaya]] ([[TV]]: ''[[Can You Hear Me? (TV story)|Can You Hear Me?]]'')


==== Other ====
== The Fifteenth Doctor's screwdriver ==
* Erasing and restoring [[marker]] writing. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rosa (TV story)|Rosa]]'')
{{main|Fifteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver}}
* Creating and playing audio recordings. ([[TV]]: ''[[Spyfall (TV story)|Spyfall]]'')
In his [[fifteenth incarnation]], the Doctor utilised [[Fifteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver|a new sonic screwdriver]] which had a distinct design in comparison to his previous models. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Church on Ruby Road (TV story)|The Church on Ruby Road]]'' ''et al'')


== The Fourteenth Doctor's screwdriver ==
== Models belonging to ambiguous incarnations ==
''to be added''
One [[The Doctor 2 (Rose)|Doctor]] who used a [[wheelchair]] and postdated their [[fifteenth incarnation]] used [[The Doctor's sonic screwdriver (Rose)|a sonic screwdriver]]. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Rose (novelisation)|ed=2023 Illustrated Edition}})


== Other realities ==
== Other realities ==
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== Behind the scenes ==
== Behind the scenes ==
=== Running gag ===
Whenever a new [[Head writer]] takes over, they always destroy the sonic screwdriver.
**Steven Moffat twice over, so the Twelfth Doctor didn't have a hand-me-down from Eleven; just like with Eleven from Ten.
**Chibnall, so he could start Thirteen off from scratch.


=== Information from invalid sources ===
=== Information from invalid sources ===
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* The Third Doctor's sonic screwdriver is a modified prop from the ''[[Thunderbirds (series)|Thunderbirds]]'' film ''Thunderbirds Are Go'', where it appeared as a screwdriver of the non-sonic variety. When [[Century 21 Productions]] was closed, the prop, among others, was sold off to the BBC.<ref>[https://securityhazard.wordpress.com/2017/04/21/thunderbirds-are-go-1966/ Movie analysis]</ref>
* The Third Doctor's sonic screwdriver is a modified prop from the ''[[Thunderbirds (series)|Thunderbirds]]'' film ''Thunderbirds Are Go'', where it appeared as a screwdriver of the non-sonic variety. When [[Century 21 Productions]] was closed, the prop, among others, was sold off to the BBC.<ref>[https://securityhazard.wordpress.com/2017/04/21/thunderbirds-are-go-1966/ Movie analysis]</ref>
* The sonic screwdriver was [[retire]]d during the [[Fifth Doctor]] serial ''[[The Visitation (TV story)|The Visitation]]'', as it was felt that it had not only been overused but also writers relied on it instead of their own inventiveness to get the Doctor out of tricky situations. It was absent for the [[Sixth Doctor|Sixth]] and [[Seventh Doctor]]'s eras, except in [[Doctor Who (TV story)|the TV Movie]], where the Seventh Doctor used it to lock {{Tipple}}'s remains away. The [[Eighth Doctor]] recovered it at the end of the film. After appearing in many Seventh and Eighth Doctor audio adventures from [[Big Finish Productions]], the tool was reintroduced with the [[Ninth Doctor]] and has become the show's most frequently used gadget besides [[the TARDIS]] itself.
* The sonic screwdriver was [[retire]]d during the [[Fifth Doctor]] serial ''[[The Visitation (TV story)|The Visitation]]'', as it was felt that it had not only been overused but also writers relied on it instead of their own inventiveness to get the Doctor out of tricky situations. It was absent for the [[Sixth Doctor|Sixth]] and [[Seventh Doctor]]'s eras, except in [[Doctor Who (TV story)|the TV Movie]], where the Seventh Doctor used it to lock {{Tipple}}'s remains away. The [[Eighth Doctor]] recovered it at the end of the film. After appearing in many Seventh and Eighth Doctor audio adventures from [[Big Finish Productions]], the tool was reintroduced with the [[Ninth Doctor]] and has become the show's most frequently used gadget besides [[the TARDIS]] itself.
* The screwdriver was given a rest once more in [[Series 9 (Doctor Who)|series 9]], only appearing in ''[[The Magician's Apprentice (TV story)|The Magician's Apprentice]]'', and a new version was introduced in the last episode ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]''. It was replaced by [[sonic sunglasses]] for that entire season.
* The screwdriver was given a rest once more in [[Series 9 (Doctor Who 2005)|series 9]], only appearing in ''[[The Magician's Apprentice (TV story)|The Magician's Apprentice]]'', and a new version was introduced in the last episode ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]''. It was replaced by [[sonic sunglasses]] for that entire season.
* For unexplained reasons, the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s sonic screwdriver had a green casing in ''[[The Infinite Quest (TV story)|The Infinite Quest]]''.
* For unexplained reasons, the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s sonic screwdriver had a green casing in ''[[The Infinite Quest (TV story)|The Infinite Quest]]''.
* There are two main versions of the Tenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver — one which has a slide feature with button, and one which does not slide and has a fixed button. The two prop types varied each episode.
* There are two main versions of the Tenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver — one which has a slide feature with button, and one which does not slide and has a fixed button. The two prop types varied each episode.
Line 563: Line 159:
== Footnotes ==
== Footnotes ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Sonic devices}}
{{TitleSort}}
{{TitleSort}}
[[Category:The Doctor's sonic devices]]
[[Category:The Doctor's sonic screwdrivers]]
[[Category:Sonic screwdrivers]]
[[Category:Cameras and recording devices]]
[[Category:Cameras and recording devices]]
{{Sonic devices}}

Latest revision as of 09:28, 1 August 2024

The Doctor, throughout many of their lives, possessed a sonic screwdriver. They ostensibly upgraded and improved each subsequent model, improving functionality and adding additional features while the design changed. Features included projecting sound waves to lock or unlock doors, frying circuitry, hacking, disabling, and activating technology. It could also be used as a scanning device, with medical applications.

Each model used the same software. Essentially, the sonic screwdriver in use by the War Doctor was the same as that in the Eleventh Doctor's possession, some 400 years later. (TV: The Day of the Doctor)

At least one version of the screwdriver used a crystal similar to the Metebelis crystal sought after by the Eight Legs of Metebelis III, (COMIC: The Forgotten) while the Fifth Doctor attempted to collect a diothanine crystal from the planet Argentia where temporal zone met to focus sonic waveforms for a new sonic screwdriver. (AUDIO: Serpent in the Silver Mask) There were also electrical components. (COMIC: The Halls of Sacrifice)

The screwdriver had a multitude of settings and different versions of settings. The Tenth Doctor told Rose to use "setting 15B" to triangulate the source of the ghosts (TV: Army of Ghosts) and used 34-H to sink a ship. (COMIC: Second Wave) It had a setting 85 that undid security codes to unlock doors. (TV: The Lazarus Experiment) The Ninth Doctor told Rose to use setting 2428D to re-attach barbed wire. (TV: The Doctor Dances) Sarah Jane used the Theta Omega setting to melt plastic vines. (TV: The Android Invasion) The Twelfth Doctor told Clara to use setting 41 to send out random bursts of helicon energy to distract the Skovox Blitzer. (TV: The Caretaker) The Twelfth Doctor himself used setting 61 to knock out a cybernetically augmented dinosaur with a "sonic brainstorm". (COMIC: Spirits of the Jungle) However, at least one version of the screwdriver was able to use thoughts as well as settings. (TV: The Big Bang, Amy's Choice, Let's Kill Hitler, Death in Heaven) The same version could also be activated using the Doctor's voice. (TV: Deep Breath)

The different versions of the Doctor's sonic screwdrivers exhibited different capabilities and uses, such as medical diagnostics (TV: The Empty Child) and repair of organic parts; (TV: The Vampires of Venice) cutting, but also re-attaching materials such as barbed wire; (TV: The Doctor Dances) operating Earth machinery such as computers (TV: School Reunion) and even cash machines (at regular and high eject speeds); (TV: The Runaway Bride) creating a spark to light a candle (TV: The Girl in the Fireplace) or Bunsen burner; (TV: Evolution of the Daleks) opening and holding doors with acoustic locks; (TV: The Rings of Akhaten) and, on the rare occasion, driving screws without touching them. (TV: The War Games, The Ark in Space, The Doctor's Wife)

River Song told the Fourth Doctor that, though his current screwdriver was mostly just a screwdriver, he would later "go a bit crazy with the optional upgrades". (AUDIO: Someone I Once Knew)

Although it was primarily a tool, the sonic screwdriver could also be used as a defensive weapon, able to combine with other sonic devices to form a shield around a hostile target to either force them back (TV: The Day of the Doctor) or slow their advance. (TV: The Doctor Falls) The Tenth Doctor put it in a soundboard to destroy the Robot Santas by overloading their sensors. (TV: The Runaway Bride) The Eleventh Doctor used it to bounce sound waves off a knife held by Melody Pond, knocking it out of her hand. (TV: Let's Kill Hitler) The sonic screwdriver was also capable of holding off sound waves from creatures who relied on sound in order to attack such as the Vigil. (TV: The Rings of Akhaten)

The sonic screwdriver would, in rare occasions, be used as an offensive weapon, firing energy blasts. The Eleventh Doctor used it in this manner to help River Song defeat a group of Silents, defeating at least two of them. (TV: Day of the Moon) The Twelfth Doctor used the same model of screwdriver to blast a Hyperion, buying himself and others time to escape from it. (COMIC: The Hyperion Empire) It could also destroy ice creatures when it received the latest update. (TV: The Snowmen)

The Tenth Doctor claimed that the device could not be used to wound, maim or kill living things. (TV: Doomsday, The Doctor's Daughter) Despite this, the Third Doctor used the device to incapacitate Space Greyhounds by disrupting their brain functions, (COMIC: The Forgotten) the Eighth Doctor once claimed it could destroy a Dalek's brain if held directly against the casing when activated, (PROSE: War of the Daleks) and the Twelfth Doctor used setting 61 to knock out a cybernetically augmented dinosaur with a "sonic brainstorm". (COMIC: Spirits of the Jungle) It could destroy non-living objects or mechanisms or place living creatures in circumstances where they might die if the situation required. (TV: The Christmas Invasion) The War Doctor claimed that it was a scientific instrument rather than a water pistol, (TV: The Day of the Doctor) or indeed a magic wand. (PROSE: The Day of the Doctor)

Particularly during the Time War (AUDIO: The Satanic Mill, The Thousand Worlds, The Heart of the Battle, A Thing of Guile) and in their thirteenth incarnation, (COMIC: A New Beginning, TV: The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos) the Doctor was known on occasion to summon the TARDIS using their sonic screwdriver, though the Thirteenth Doctor noted that the TARDIS got "prickly" at being summoned too often, as she found it demeaning. (COMIC: A New Beginning)

For a time, the Twelfth Doctor abandoned sonic screwdrivers in favour of wearable technology - namely, his sonic sunglasses. (TV: The Witch's Familiar, Under the Lake) However, after briefly returning to Gallifrey and having Clara Oswald dematerialise with them still inside her TARDIS, he resumed using screwdrivers, as his TARDIS fashioned a new one for him as a gift. Furthermore, after the Doctor had lost sight of who he was, Clara left him a reminder to "be a Doctor" after leaving his company. As part of his role of being a Doctor was to use a sonic screwdriver, the Doctor accepted the TARDIS's gift (TV: Hell Bent) though he would continue to occasionally use the sunglasses as well. (TV: The Husbands of River Song)

The Second Doctors' sonic screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Second Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The first sonic screwdriver used by the Doctor was invented and used by his second incarnation (PROSE: The Murder Game, AUDIO: The Forsaken, TV: Fury from the Deep) The First Doctor had on at least one occasion utilised a sonic device of some kind (PROSE: Venusian Lullaby) but expressed unfamiliarity and disdain at the Twelfth Doctor's sonic screwdriver. (TV: Twice Upon a Time) The Second Doctor used the screwdriver throughout his life, from at least as early as his travels with the Polly, Ben and Jamie (AUDIO: The Forsaken) until his enforced work for the Celestial Intervention Agency near the end of his life. (AUDIO: Wrath of the Ice Warriors, Helicon Prime)

The Third, Fourth and Fifth Doctors' sonic screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Third Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The Third Doctor used a new model of the sonic screwdriver which would be used throughout the lifetime of the Fourth Doctor. Early in his life, the Fifth Doctor made use of it until it was destroyed by the Terileptils, and he did not replace it afterwards. (TV: The Visitation)

Used by the Sixth Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Sixth Doctor's sonic screwdriver

While going "hands free" for most of his life, the Sixth Doctor occasionally carried a replacement sonic screwdriver. (PROSE: The Nightmare Fair, AUDIO: The Ultimate Adventure)

The Seventh and Eighth Doctors' sonic screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Seventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver

Both the Seventh and Eighth Doctor carried the "Mark 5" sonic screwdriver. (TV: Doctor Who, PROSE: Alien Bodies) The Seventh Doctor was seen using this screwdriver by the latter part of his life, although it's exact origin depended on the source, and remained in the Eighth Doctor's use throughout his life, although he would replace it with a different model until the Last Great Time War.

Replacement on Ha'olam[[edit] | [edit source]]

During his imprisonment by INC on Ha'olam, the Eighth Doctor's sonic screwdriver was confiscated. After his escape, he briefly used a replacement screwdriver resembling a slender metal rod with a crystal at its tip. (PROSE: Seeing I)

Uses[[edit] | [edit source]]

This screwdriver was used by the Doctor for making milkshakes and hacking into the Ubernet. (PROSE: Seeing I)

The Eighth Doctor's second screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Eighth Doctor's second sonic screwdriver

Later in his eighth incarnation, the Doctor carried a more advanced sonic screwdriver with a wooden handle. It had a metallic tip with six prongs that nested a clear diode at the end, which glowed blue when activated. (AUDIO: The Great War) The Doctor claimed that he made this version of the sonic screwdriver to do more than open doors and blow up land mines. (AUDIO: X and the Daleks) He was seen using it as early as his travels with Charley Pollard, up until the early part of the Last Great Time War. (PROSE: Natural Regression)

The War Doctor's sonic screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: War Doctor's sonic screwdriver

During his battles in the Last Great Time War, the War Doctor used a sonic screwdriver with a simple metallic handle and a red light-emitting diode at the end. It appeared to be a further upgraded version of the Eighth Doctor's first sonic screwdriver, which he kept strapped in a bandoleer on his chest. (TV: The Day of the Doctor) After the end of the Last Great Time War, the Ninth Doctor kept this model until it was destroyed early in his life. (AUDIO: The Bleeding Heart)

The Ninth and Tenth Doctors' sonic screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Ninth Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The Ninth and Tenth Doctor's used a new model of sonic screwdriver with a blue emitter, which was used far more frequently than his previous incarnations. (TV: Rose, et al.) The Eleventh Doctor inadvertently burned it out shortly after his regeneration. (TV: The Eleventh Hour)

The Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors' sonic screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The Eleventh Doctor was gifted a new model of sonic screwdriver by the TARDIS, with a green crystal emitter and copper plating. (TV: The Eleventh Hour) After using it for a long time, with it being destroyed and replaced several times, the Twelfth Doctor ended up abandoning it with Davros as a child, and the Doctor would subsequently choose to use sonic sunglasses instead. (TV: The Witch's Familiar)

The Twelfth Doctor's second screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Twelfth Doctor's second sonic screwdriver

The Twelfth Doctor would be gifted a different model of sonic screwdriver by the TARDIS after saying a final farewell to Clara. It was a larger mechanical model, (TV: Hell Bent) which he used in conjunction with his sonic sunglasses. (TV: The Husbands of River Song, Extremis) After his regeneration, the Thirteenth Doctor would lose this screwdriver after falling out of the TARDIS. (TV: Twice Upon a Time)

The Thirteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Thirteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The Thirteenth Doctor created a replacement sonic screwdriver out of "Sheffield steel". It was unique from previous sonic screwdrivers in that it had a changeable, curved handle, allowing for a more natural grip. (TV: The Woman Who Fell to Earth) This screwdriver would be destroyed shortly after the Thirteenth Doctor's regneration at the Dalek Dome. (COMIC: Liberation of the Daleks)

The Fourteenth Doctor's screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Fourteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver

In his fourteenth incarnation, the Doctor began utilising a new model of sonic screwdriver (WC: The Fourteenth Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver [+]Loading...["The Fourteenth Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver (webcast)"], PROSE: Super Sonic [+]Loading...{"page":"36-37","1":"Super Sonic (feature)"}) after the screwdriver belonging to the Thirteenth Doctor was destroyed. (COMIC: Liberation of the Daleks [+]Loading...["Liberation of the Daleks (comic story)"]) The Fourteenth Doctor's screwdriver physically resembled previous screwdrivers. (PROSE: Super Sonic [+]Loading...{"page":"36-37","1":"Super Sonic (feature)"})

The Fifteenth Doctor's screwdriver[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Fifteenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver

In his fifteenth incarnation, the Doctor utilised a new sonic screwdriver which had a distinct design in comparison to his previous models. (TV: The Church on Ruby Road et al)

Models belonging to ambiguous incarnations[[edit] | [edit source]]

One Doctor who used a wheelchair and postdated their fifteenth incarnation used a sonic screwdriver. (PROSE: Rose [+]Loading...{"ed":"2023 Illustrated Edition","1":"Rose (novelisation)"})

Other realities[[edit] | [edit source]]

In a possible future stemming from the Eighth Doctor, (PROSE: The Tomorrow Windows) the "listless-looking" Ninth Doctor carried a sonic screwdriver with "three settings", which the Thirteenth Doctor continued to use. (TV: The Curse of Fatal Death) In a another reality, (PROSE: The Tomorrow Windows) the "pale aristocrat" Ninth Doctor also used a sonic screwdriver. (TV: Scream of the Shalka)

In a universe where the Doctor was exiled to Earth in the 1990s rather than the 1970s, the Doctor didn't carry a sonic screwdriver, but he recognized a device similar to it. (AUDIO: The Emporium at the End)

In one parallel universe, an alternate female version of the Third Doctor used her sonic screwdriver to get a pound coin unstuck from a trolley. (AUDIO: Exile)

Behind the scenes[[edit] | [edit source]]

Running gag[[edit] | [edit source]]

Whenever a new Head writer takes over, they always destroy the sonic screwdriver.

    • Steven Moffat twice over, so the Twelfth Doctor didn't have a hand-me-down from Eleven; just like with Eleven from Ten.
    • Chibnall, so he could start Thirteen off from scratch.

Information from invalid sources[[edit] | [edit source]]

According to one account, the Doctor got her sonic screwdriver from the planet Argos. (TV: Untitled [+]Loading...["Untitled (The Lily Savage Show)"])

The sonic screwdriver prop[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • In Victor Pemberton's script for Fury from the Deep, it was simply described as the Doctor's "own version of a screwdriver". When seeing a normal screwdriver in rehearsals, production assistant Michael Briant suggested using another prop and the device having sonic waves, so Patrick Troughton took a penlight from the visual effects department. (DWM 277) However, during location filming, Troughton accidentally lost the original prop and it had to be replaced at the last minute by Peter Day[1] with the safety whistle[2] from Deborah Watling's life jacket outfit.[3]
  • In episode six of Fury from the Deep, the Second Doctor uses one of his devices together with some amplifiers to produce a "sonic laser soundwave" but it is unknown if this is the sonic screwdriver, and if so whether it was the retrieved original prop or not. The combined props are seen in a surviving alternate take of the climax battle of the episode, in which a sort of medical hammer appears to be lodged in the amplifier and manipulated by Troughton.
  • The Second Doctor's slim penlight prop from The War Games has been identified as a EverReady model no. 1980 (1968-70 version).[2]
  • The Third Doctor's sonic screwdriver is a modified prop from the Thunderbirds film Thunderbirds Are Go, where it appeared as a screwdriver of the non-sonic variety. When Century 21 Productions was closed, the prop, among others, was sold off to the BBC.[4]
  • The sonic screwdriver was retired during the Fifth Doctor serial The Visitation, as it was felt that it had not only been overused but also writers relied on it instead of their own inventiveness to get the Doctor out of tricky situations. It was absent for the Sixth and Seventh Doctor's eras, except in the TV Movie, where the Seventh Doctor used it to lock the Old Master's remains away. The Eighth Doctor recovered it at the end of the film. After appearing in many Seventh and Eighth Doctor audio adventures from Big Finish Productions, the tool was reintroduced with the Ninth Doctor and has become the show's most frequently used gadget besides the TARDIS itself.
  • The screwdriver was given a rest once more in series 9, only appearing in The Magician's Apprentice, and a new version was introduced in the last episode Hell Bent. It was replaced by sonic sunglasses for that entire season.
  • For unexplained reasons, the Tenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver had a green casing in The Infinite Quest.
  • There are two main versions of the Tenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver — one which has a slide feature with button, and one which does not slide and has a fixed button. The two prop types varied each episode.
  • The War Doctor's sonic screwdriver prop was created by modifying a Fourth Doctor's sonic screwdriver replica toy.
  • When the Doctor handles the screwdriver, the clinking noises produced (when he throws and catches it) are created by repeating the motions with a corkscrew, the handles of which bump against the casing to produce the required noise. These noises are dubbed over the footage in post-production.

Concept art[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Early conceptual art of the first modern era sonic screwdriver features a different "tube" section. Notes refer to "glowing organic circuitry" and a movable ball-joint on the emitter to allow use around corners and in tight spaces. Instead of the "glowing circuitry," the actual prop and toy reproductions featured a black "swivel" like a simple helix. When given a personal copy of the concept art, David Tennant himself commented on the lack of the swivelling emitter. [source needed]
  • Another early piece of concept art, similar to a simple Bitmap drawing, reveals that the black "cap" at the reverse end of the sonic screwdriver was intended to be an opening set of "feet," allowing the sonic screwdriver to plug into a section of the TARDIS console. This feature was also dropped from the eventual prop model. [source needed]
  • Dan Walker redesigned the sonic screwdriver, devising how it looks when used by the Ninth and Tenth Doctors. "We hit upon the idea of spark plugs, which in themselves are very iconic," Walker stated. "Initially, we started off quite techy, with retractable elements that would interface with an unlimited number of devices." Despite his work on redesigning the device, Walker wasn't allowed to take one of the sonic screwdriver props home with him. (ImageFX magazine, October 2008, pp. 63 & 64)
 
Time Lord Victorious screwdriver concept art
  • For the Time Lord Victorious event, concept art was made of the Tenth Doctor screwdriver, modified with parts bearing Gallifreyan text. It would then feature in The Edge of Time videogame's Time Lord Victorious DLC as an item to receive to complete the DLC's level, and implicitly appear in the novel All Flesh Is Grass when the Tenth Doctor hastily repairs his sonic screwdriver with bits of his Time Lord regalia.

Sonic screwdriver toy[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • A toy of the Eleventh Doctor's version was seen in "Light Echoes", an edition of "The Sky at Night" broadcast on BBC4 on Wednesday 5th October 2010. The screwdriver was (jokingly) used to scan a part of the LOFAR radio telescope, then under construction in Chilbolton, Hampshire, UK.
  • The Eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver toy has a total of four sound effects, two of which alternate with every other button press. The third is activated by pressing twice and holding on the third button push. The fourth is activated with three presses and a hold on the fourth push. However, in some models of the toy, over-use of the hidden sound effects causes the sound functions to eventually break, leaving only the LED functional.
  • The customisable toy sonic screwdriver set featuring three screwdrivers with interchangeable parts can produce up to eight sound effects: the first two are the basic screwdriver sound, with slightly different pitches, and alternate each time the button is pressed. The other six effects are achieved in a similar manner to those of the Eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver toy, and are accompanied by a flashing lights instead of a constant light.
  • Since the War Doctor's sonic screwdriver prop was created by modifying a toy replica, the toy version that was subsequently produced is screen accurate.

Other matters[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • In the animated title sequence of the first series of Totally Doctor Who, the Tenth Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver to fire a blue burst of energy which blows off the hand of a Cyberman.
  • In the original script for The Eleventh Hour, the Doctor referred to his screwdriver as "Level 4000" technology.
  • Scientists at the University of Dundee invented a device which turns objects with ultrasonic waves, an invention which has been described as a real-world version of the Doctor's sonic screwdriver.[5]
  • Doctor Who: Legacy mobile game contains a premium pack called "Sonic Adventure", which is centred around finding various sonic devices used by different incarnations of the Doctor and by several other characters. The playable characters form this premium pack represented almost every model of sonic screwdriver encountered in the DWU.

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

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