Sonic screwdriver: Difference between revisions

From Tardis Wiki, the free Doctor Who reference
(Retitling the "marks" and merging the near-identical Tenth Doctor screwdrivers. Removing reference to "door handle" per its previous deletion. Tardis:Bold text.)
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{{cleanup|The pervasive use of "Mark X" in this article needs to be stripped if there is no narrative source for that terminology.  In addition to being against site policy to just make up names for things, it's caused a huge problem with the article since the Eighth Doctor has gotten a new version, thereby throwing off the numbering of all new series sonics.}}
{{Update|Per [[Thread:133842]] establishes there's some inconsistency among the writers, but there is nonetheless a sonic in the Doctor's possession by the time of his travels with Benny in the NAs.}}
{{Update|Besides the issues with the cleanup template, [[Thread:133842]] establishes there's some inconsistency among the writers, but there is nonetheless a sonic in the Doctor's possession by the time of his travels with Benny in the NAs.}}
{{Infobox Object
{{Infobox Object
|image = ElevenSonicsTROA.jpg
|image = ElevenSonicsTROA.jpg
|name = Sonic screwdriver
|name = Sonic screwdriver
|alias = The sonic<br />Sonic probe
|alias = The sonic, sonic probe
|type = Multi-functional sonic device
|type = Multi-functional sonic device
|made by = {{il|[[The Doctor]] (Mark I)|[[The Doctor's TARDIS]] (Mark VIII)}}
|made by = {{il|[[The Doctor]] (the original)|[[The Doctor's TARDIS]] (the green "clawed" version[s])}}
|used by = [[The Doctor]]
|used by = [[The Doctor]]
|origin = [[Gallifrey]]
|origin = [[Gallifrey]]
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== Technology and functions ==
== Technology and functions ==
The sonic screwdriver was considered to be very advanced [[Gallifrey]]an technology. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Heart of TARDIS]]'') The [[First Doctor]] built the first sonic screwdriver (or an innovative model of one) instead of wooing a woman, something he later regretted. He suggested that he did it partially out of boredom. ([[TV]]: ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'', [[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'') Other alien races had similar devices, such as the [[sonic pen]] used by [[Cofelia|Miss Foster]] ([[TV]]: ''[[Partners in Crime]]'') and the [[sonic blaster]] obtained by Captain [[Jack Harkness]] and [[River Song]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Empty Child]]'' / ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'', ''[[Silence in the Library]]'' / ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'') The name of the device suggests that it functioned using sound waves, although its actual workings were never truly explained.
The sonic screwdriver was considered to be very advanced [[Gallifrey]]an technology. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Heart of TARDIS]]'') The [[First Doctor]] built the first sonic screwdriver (or an innovative model of one) instead of wooing a woman, something he later regretted. ([[TV]]: ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'') He suggested that he did it partially out of boredom. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances (TV story)|The Doctor Dances]]'') Other alien races had similar devices, such as the [[sonic pen]] used by [[Cofelia|Miss Foster]] ([[TV]]: ''[[Partners in Crime]]'') and the [[sonic blaster]] obtained by Captain [[Jack Harkness]] and [[River Song]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Empty Child]]'' / ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'', ''[[Silence in the Library]]'' / ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'') The name of the device suggests that it functioned using sound waves, although its actual workings were never truly explained.


The Mark IV sonic screwdriver used a [[crystal]] similar to the [[Metebelis Crystal]] sought after by the [[Eight Legs]] of [[Metebelis III]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Forgotten]]'') There were also electrical components. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Halls of Sacrifice]]'')
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]]'') 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 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]]'')
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== Variants of the Doctor's sonic screwdriver ==
== Variants of the Doctor's sonic screwdriver ==
[[File:Doc2Sonic.jpg|thumb|right|The earliest known version of the sonic screwdriver in use. ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games]]'')]]
[[File:Doc2Sonic.jpg|thumb|right|The earliest known version of the sonic screwdriver in use. ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games]]'')]]
=== Mark I ===
=== The First and Second Doctor's sonic ===
The first version was a small, simple device similar to a penlight, used by the [[First Doctor|First]] ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Venusian Lullaby (novel)|Venusian Lullaby]]'') and [[Second Doctor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Fury from the Deep]]'') It was used by the [[Eighth Doctor]] after it was destroyed "centuries ago". He explained how this occurred to his [[companion]] [[Samantha Jones]]: "It's a [[Time Lord]] tool. [[Time]] doesn't work the same way for Time Lord tools." ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Alien Bodies]]'')
One sonic screwdriver, a small, simple device similar to a penlight, used by the [[First Doctor|First]] ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Venusian Lullaby (novel)|Venusian Lullaby]]'') and [[Second Doctor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Fury from the Deep]]'') It was used by the [[Eighth Doctor]] after it was destroyed "centuries ago". He explained how this occurred to his [[companion]] [[Samantha Jones]]: "It's a [[Time Lord]] tool. [[Time]] doesn't work the same way for Time Lord tools." ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Alien Bodies]]'')


==== Known uses ====
==== Known uses ====
This mark of the sonic screwdriver was used for:
* Cracking the code for an [[aerodynamic shuttle]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Venusian Lullaby (novel)|Venusian Lullaby]]) ''
* Cracking the code for an [[aerodynamic shuttle]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Venusian Lullaby (novel)|Venusian Lullaby]]) ''
* Opening up hatches, panels and control panels. ([[TV]]: ''[[Fury from the Deep]]'', ''[[The War Games]]'')
* Opening up hatches, panels and control panels. ([[TV]]: ''[[Fury from the Deep]]'', ''[[The War Games]]'')
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* As a conventional screwdriver (without touching the screws). ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games]]'')
* As a conventional screwdriver (without touching the screws). ([[TV]]: ''[[The War Games]]'')


=== Mark II ===
=== The Third Doctor's sonic ===
The [[Third Doctor]]'s most-used model of the sonic screwdriver was much larger than the Mark I; its elaborately-detailed silver shape featured black and yellow stripes and red trim. It had a removable head which the Doctor would change with others, each performing a different function. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sea Devils]]'')
The [[Third Doctor]]'s most-used model of the sonic screwdriver was much larger than the one his first and second incarnation used; its elaborately-detailed silver shape featured black and yellow stripes and red trim. It had a removable head which the Doctor would change with others, each performing a different function. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sea Devils]]'')


==== Known uses ====
==== Known uses ====
This mark of the sonic screwdriver was used for:
* Scanning for alarm systems in [[the Master's TARDIS]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Colony in Space]]'')
* Scanning for alarm systems in [[the Master's TARDIS]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Colony in Space]]'')
* Remote detection and detonation of [[land mine]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sea Devils]]'')
* Remote detection and detonation of [[land mine]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sea Devils]]'')
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* Overloading the brains of [[Space Greyhound]]s. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Forgotten]]'')
* Overloading the brains of [[Space Greyhound]]s. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Forgotten]]'')


=== Mark III ===
=== Refit used by the Third, Fourth and Fifth Doctor ===
The Third Doctor 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. ([[TV]]: ''[[Frontier in Space]]'') This refit left the metal mostly unpainted, with a dark red emitter ring. The head of this model could be extended. Before this model was destroyed ([[TV]]: ''[[The Visitation]]''), its head was repainted twice after the original coat wore off. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Keeper of Traken]]'', ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]'') The Doctor went without a sonic screwdriver for some time after this model and [[Nyssa]] lamented the [[Fifth Doctor]]'s decision not to replace it. ([[TV]]: ''[[Snakedance]]'')
The Third Doctor 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. ([[TV]]: ''[[Frontier in Space]]'') This refit left the metal mostly unpainted, with a dark red emitter ring. The head of this model could be extended. Before this model was destroyed ([[TV]]: ''[[The Visitation]]''), its head was repainted twice after the original coat wore off. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Keeper of Traken]]'', ''[[Castrovalva (TV story)|Castrovalva]]'') The Doctor went without a sonic screwdriver for some time after this model and [[Nyssa]] lamented the [[Fifth Doctor]]'s decision not to replace it. ([[TV]]: ''[[Snakedance]]'')


==== Known uses ====
==== Known uses ====
This mark of the sonic screwdriver was used for:
* Unbolting a door. (''[[TV]]: [[Frontier in Space]]'')
* Unbolting a door. (''[[TV]]: [[Frontier in Space]]'')
* Fusing shut a sliding door. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Daleks]]'')
* Fusing shut a sliding door. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Daleks]]'')
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* It was used as a component in the [[delta wave augmenter]], to induce sleep. ([[TV]]: ''[[Kinda (TV story)|Kinda]]'')
* It was used as a component in the [[delta wave augmenter]], to induce sleep. ([[TV]]: ''[[Kinda (TV story)|Kinda]]'')


=== Mark IV ===
=== Used from the end of the Seventh Doctor's life ===
[[File:ChangLooksThroughSonic.jpg|thumb|[[Chang Lee]] discovers the sonic screwdriver amongst the things he stole from the [[Seventh Doctor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]]'')]]
[[File:ChangLooksThroughSonic.jpg|thumb|[[Chang Lee]] discovers the sonic screwdriver amongst the things he stole from the [[Seventh Doctor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]]'')]]
Towards the end of his [[Seventh Doctor|seventh life]], the Doctor fished a fourth type of sonic screwdriver from one of the tool kits in [[the TARDIS]]. This model looked similar to the Mark III seen at the end of his [[Fourth Doctor|fourth incarnation]]; it was completely silver. The handle resembled a small torch, and the tip was a ring with a red sphere in its centre. To use this model, the tip was pointed at the object in question. This version remained in the [[Eighth Doctor]]'s use throughout his life. There was a torch built into the handle. Once, while suffering from amnesia, the Doctor distracted himself and operated this sonic screwdriver on instinct.
Towards the end of his [[Seventh Doctor|seventh life]], the Doctor fished another type of sonic screwdriver from one of the tool kits in [[the TARDIS]]. This model looked similar to the screwdriver seen at the end of his [[Fourth Doctor|fourth incarnation]]; it was completely silver. The handle resembled a small torch, and the tip was a ring with a red sphere in its centre. To use this model, the tip was pointed at the object in question. This version remained in the [[Eighth Doctor]]'s use throughout his life. There was a torch built into the handle. Once, while suffering from amnesia, the Doctor distracted himself and operated this sonic screwdriver on instinct. {{fact}}


==== Known Uses ====
==== Known uses ====
This mark of the sonic screwdriver was used for:
* Locking the casket containing [[the Master]]'s remains. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]]'')
* Locking the casket containing [[the Master]]'s remains. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who (TV story)|Doctor Who]]'')
* Performing maintenance on new parts in the TARDIS console. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who]]'')
* Performing maintenance on new parts in the TARDIS console. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doctor Who]]'')
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* Weakening a stone wall. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Book of Kells]]'')
* Weakening a stone wall. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Book of Kells]]'')


=== Mark V ===
=== After Lucie and Tamsin ===
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]]'') 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]]'')
Later in his [[Eighth Doctor|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]]'') 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]]'')


==== Known uses ====
==== Known uses ====
This mark of the sonic screwdriver was used for:
* Fixing a train track. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Great War (audio story)|The Great War]]'')
* Fixing a train track. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Great War (audio story)|The Great War]]'')
* Trying to shatter the walls of a prison. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Tangled Web (audio story)|Tangled Web]]'')
* Trying to shatter the walls of a prison. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Tangled Web (audio story)|Tangled Web]]'')


=== Mark VI ===
=== The Ninth and Tenth Doctor's sonic ===
The Doctor had yet another screwdriver during his eigthth incarnation, this one with a glowing blue diode at one end. Although the first known individual known to use it was the Eighth Doctor, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Osskah]]'') this model was much more ubiquitous as the model carried by the [[Ninth Doctor]], who used it far less frequently like his previous incarnations had done before. The [[Tenth Doctor]] also used this model, as he liked tinkering with technology to make devices he needed. This version was burnt out by accident after the Doctor used it to modify an [[X-ray]] output to over 5000%. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones]]'')
The Doctor had yet another screwdriver during his eigthth incarnation, this one with a glowing blue diode at one end. Although the Eighth Doctor was known to have used it as well, ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Osskah]]'') this model was much more ubiquitous as the model carried by the [[Ninth Doctor]], who used it far less frequently like his previous incarnations had done before. The [[Tenth Doctor]] also used this model, as he liked tinkering with technology to make devices he needed. This version was burnt out by accident after the Doctor used it to modify an [[X-ray]] output to over 5000%, but had replaced it with a near-identical model. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones (TV story)|Smith and Jones]]'') The only visible difference was the colour scheme of the handle. The tenth incarnation had this screwdriver on his person during his [[regeneration]], and was damaged repeatedly afterwards, which led to 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]]'')


==== Known uses ====
==== Known uses ====
This mark of the sonic screwdriver was used for:
===== Security =====
===== Security =====
* Opening a door. ([[TV]]: ''[[Aliens of London]]'')
* Opening a door. ([[TV]]: ''[[Aliens of London]]'')
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* Hacking into the [[H.C. Clements]] website. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Hacking into the [[H.C. Clements]] website. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Bypassing the key needed to access the secret basement in H.C. Clements. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Bypassing the key needed to access the secret basement in H.C. Clements. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
===== Medical =====
* Healing [[Osskah Longspan]]'s body. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Osskah]]'')
* Acting as a medical scanner and diagnostic tool. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Empty Child]]'')
* Dislodging and reinserting [[tooth|teeth]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Lodger (comic story)|The Lodger]]'')
* Threatening [[the Wire]] with an unknown function that was presumably lethal to the alien. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Idiot's Lantern]]'')
* Partially reversing the [[Abzorbaloff]]'s absorption of [[Ursula Blake]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Love & Monsters]]'')
* Confusing the [[Antibody|antibodies]] of a living [[planet]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Lonely Planet]]'')
===== Diagnostic =====
* Detecting and stopping [[telepathy|telepathic]] signals. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'')
* Scanning a life form for information, specifically [[Donna Noble]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Detecting heated [[water]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Halls of Sacrifice]]'')
===== Technology =====
* Destroying the controls of a [[lift]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'')
* Establishing an interface with a [[computer]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The End of the World (TV story)|The End of the World]]'')
* Controlling a [[lift]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[World War Three]]'')
* Causing [[rain]] via [[atmospheric excitation]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Death to the Doctor! (comic story)|Death to the Doctor!]]'')
* Obtaining money from a cash machine. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Long Game]]'')
* Opening off a panel to [[Satellite Five|Satellite Five's]] mainframe. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Long Game]]'')
* Getting money from a cash machine, at both regular and extra-high rates of ejection. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Obtaining access to Satellite Five's core computer. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Long Game]]'')
* Charging from a battery. ([[TV]]: ''[[Father's Day]]'')
* Reversing teleport devices. ([[TV]]: ''[[Boom Town]]'')
* Destroying a television camera. ([[TV]]: ''[[Bad Wolf (TV story)|Bad Wolf]]'')
* Dematerialising the TARDIS and initialising TARDIS processes from outside the craft. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')
* Blowing up [[Roboform Christmas tree|a remote control Christmas tree]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Christmas Invasion]]'')
* Reestablishing the time window's connection to a space ship in the future. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl in the Fireplace]]'')
* De-activating a [[Scribble Creature|living graphite scribble]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Fear Her]]'')
* Reversing an [[anti-gravity]] [[umbrella]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Smart Bombs]]'')
* Detonating an explosive device. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doomsday]]'')
* Detonating the head of a [[roboform]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Searching a phone for an app or a feature. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Summoning the TARDIS using [[Huon]] particles. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Scanning through hospital records, specifically to find any patient suffering from strange symptoms (an alien in disguise). ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones]]'')
===== Amplification =====
* Setting up a [[resonation pattern]] in [[concrete]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'')
* Destroying the Robot Santas with sound (used in conjunction with a professional sound system). ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Increasing the radiation output of a device such as an [[x-ray]] scanner; this action burned out the screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones]]'')
===== Utility =====
* Corroding thin metal (e.g. [[barbed wire]]) so that it crumbled into rust. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'')
* Re-connecting barbed wire. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'')
* Igniting swamp gas. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Hunt of Doom]]'')
* Stopping the emergence of [[Mirrorling]]s from mirrors. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Mirror Image]]'')
* Lighting a candle. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl in the Fireplace]]'')
* Cutting rope. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Age of Steel]]'')
* Illuminating [[Rose Tyler]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Warfreekz!]]'')
* Partially cracking glass so it could be smashed with the tiniest press of a finger. ([[TV]]: ''[[Army of Ghosts]]'')
* Cutting a spider web. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Overloading [[Cyberman (Pete's World)|Cybermen]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Power of the Cybermen]]'')
* Crashing an [[aircar]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Time of the Cybermen]]'')
=== Mark VII ===
Following his first adventure with [[Martha Jones]], the [[Tenth Doctor]] created a similar screwdriver. The only visible difference was the colour scheme of the handle.  The Doctor had this screwdriver on his person during his [[The End of Time (TV story)|regeneration]], and was damaged repeatedly afterwards, which lead to 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]]'')
==== Known uses ====
This mark of the sonic screwdriver was used for:
===== Security =====
* Opening air-tight seals. ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock]]'')
* Opening air-tight seals. ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock]]'')
* Unsuccessfully activating emergency by-pass switches. ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock]]'')
* Unsuccessfully activating emergency by-pass switches. ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock]]'')
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* Opening bus doors. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]]'')
* Opening bus doors. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]]'')
* Unlocking handcuffs. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]]'', ''[[The Eleventh Hour]])''
* Unlocking handcuffs. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Dead (TV story)|Planet of the Dead]]'', ''[[The Eleventh Hour]])''
===== Medical =====
===== Medical =====
* Healing [[Osskah Longspan]]'s body. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Osskah]]'')
* Acting as a medical scanner and diagnostic tool. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Empty Child]]'')
* Dislodging and reinserting [[tooth|teeth]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Lodger (comic story)|The Lodger]]'')
* Threatening [[the Wire]] with an unknown function that was presumably lethal to the alien. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Idiot's Lantern]]'')
* Partially reversing the [[Abzorbaloff]]'s absorption of [[Ursula Blake]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Love & Monsters]]'')
* Confusing the [[Antibody|antibodies]] of a living [[planet]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Lonely Planet]]'')
* Building a DNA scanning device. ([[TV]]: ''[[Daleks in Manhattan]]'')
* Building a DNA scanning device. ([[TV]]: ''[[Daleks in Manhattan]]'')
* Scanning for fluctuating DNA, specifically that of Professor Lazarus. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Lazarus Experiment]]'')
* Scanning for fluctuating DNA, specifically that of Professor Lazarus. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Lazarus Experiment]]'')
===== Diagnostic =====
===== Diagnostic =====
* Detecting and stopping [[telepathy|telepathic]] signals. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'')
* Scanning a life form for information, specifically [[Donna Noble]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Detecting heated [[water]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Halls of Sacrifice]]'')
* Scanning shadows for the presence of [[Vashta Nerada]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Silence in the Library]]''/''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
* Scanning shadows for the presence of [[Vashta Nerada]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Silence in the Library]]''/''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
* Checking [[Crusader 50]]'s control console for faults. ([[TV]]: ''[[Midnight (TV story)|Midnight]]'')
* Checking [[Crusader 50]]'s control console for faults. ([[TV]]: ''[[Midnight (TV story)|Midnight]]'')
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* Detecting time traces. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith]]'')
* Detecting time traces. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith]]'')
* Scanning a crack in Amelia Pond's wall. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')
* Scanning a crack in Amelia Pond's wall. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')
===== Technology =====
===== Technology =====
* Destroying the controls of a [[lift]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Rose (TV story)|Rose]]'')
* Establishing an interface with a [[computer]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The End of the World (TV story)|The End of the World]]'')
* Controlling a [[lift]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[World War Three]]'')
* Causing [[rain]] via [[atmospheric excitation]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Death to the Doctor! (comic story)|Death to the Doctor!]]'')
* Obtaining money from a cash machine. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Long Game]]'')
* Opening off a panel to [[Satellite Five|Satellite Five's]] mainframe. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Long Game]]'')
* Getting money from a cash machine, at both regular and extra-high rates of ejection. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Obtaining access to Satellite Five's core computer. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Long Game]]'')
* Charging from a battery. ([[TV]]: ''[[Father's Day]]'')
* Reversing teleport devices. ([[TV]]: ''[[Boom Town]]'')
* Destroying a television camera. ([[TV]]: ''[[Bad Wolf (TV story)|Bad Wolf]]'')
* Dematerialising the TARDIS and initialising TARDIS processes from outside the craft. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')
* Blowing up [[Roboform Christmas tree|a remote control Christmas tree]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Christmas Invasion]]'')
* Reestablishing the time window's connection to a space ship in the future. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl in the Fireplace]]'')
* De-activating a [[Scribble Creature|living graphite scribble]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Fear Her]]'')
* Reversing an [[anti-gravity]] [[umbrella]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Smart Bombs]]'')
* Detonating an explosive device. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doomsday]]'')
* Detonating the head of a [[roboform]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Searching a phone for an app or a feature. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Summoning the TARDIS using [[Huon]] particles. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Scanning through hospital records, specifically to find any patient suffering from strange symptoms (an alien in disguise). ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones]]'')
* Partially activating ventilation airducts. ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock]]'')
* Partially activating ventilation airducts. ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock]]'')
* Reversing the polarity of Lazarus's machine, sending an energy pulse out to knock Lazarus unconscious and revert him to human form. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Lazarus Experiment]]'')
* Reversing the polarity of Lazarus's machine, sending an energy pulse out to knock Lazarus unconscious and revert him to human form. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Lazarus Experiment]]'')
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* Switching a radio between several international channels to determine that the Atraxi were broadcasting their warning for Prisoner Zero to surrender or be destroyed along with the "human residence" to the entire Earth. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')
* Switching a radio between several international channels to determine that the Atraxi were broadcasting their warning for Prisoner Zero to surrender or be destroyed along with the "human residence" to the entire Earth. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')
===== Amplification =====
===== Amplification =====
* Setting up a [[resonation pattern]] in [[concrete]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'')
* Destroying the Robot Santas with sound (used in conjunction with a professional sound system). ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Increasing the radiation output of a device such as an [[x-ray]] scanner; this action burned out the screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones]]'')
* Producing hypersonic sound waves which led to the death of the mutated [[Richard Lazarus]], in conjunction with a pipe organ. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Lazarus Experiment]]'')
* Producing hypersonic sound waves which led to the death of the mutated [[Richard Lazarus]], in conjunction with a pipe organ. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Lazarus Experiment]]'')
* Used with [[Miss Foster]]'s [[Sonic pen]] to create an ultra-high frequency ([[TV]]: ''[[Partners in Crime]]'')
* Used with [[Miss Foster]]'s [[Sonic pen]] to create an ultra-high frequency ([[TV]]: ''[[Partners in Crime]]'')
===== Utility =====
===== Utility =====
* Corroding thin metal (e.g. [[barbed wire]]) so that it crumbled into rust. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'')
* Re-connecting barbed wire. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'')
* Igniting swamp gas. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Hunt of Doom]]'')
* Stopping the emergence of [[Mirrorling]]s from mirrors. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Mirror Image]]'')
* Lighting a candle. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl in the Fireplace]]'')
* Cutting rope. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Age of Steel]]'')
* Illuminating [[Rose Tyler]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Warfreekz!]]'')
* Partially cracking glass so it could be smashed with the tiniest press of a finger. ([[TV]]: ''[[Army of Ghosts]]'')
* Cutting a spider web. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride]]'')
* Overloading [[Cyberman (Pete's World)|Cybermen]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Power of the Cybermen]]'')
* Crashing an [[aircar]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Time of the Cybermen]]'')
* Trying to strip off pieces of [[Dalekanium]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Evolution of the Daleks]]'')
* Trying to strip off pieces of [[Dalekanium]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Evolution of the Daleks]]'')
* Lighting a Bunsen burner from a distance. ([[TV]]: ''[[Evolution of the Daleks]]'')
* Lighting a Bunsen burner from a distance. ([[TV]]: ''[[Evolution of the Daleks]]'')
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* As an actual screwdriver, without touching the screws. ([[TV]]: ''[[Dreamland (TV story)|Dreamland]], [[The Doctor's Daughter]]'')
* As an actual screwdriver, without touching the screws. ([[TV]]: ''[[Dreamland (TV story)|Dreamland]], [[The Doctor's Daughter]]'')


=== Mark VIII ===
=== After Prisoner Zero ===
[[File:Sonic on floor Rings.jpg|thumb|Eleventh doctor's sonic screwdriver ([[TV]]: ''[[The Rings of Akhaten (TV story)|The Rings of Akhaten]]'')]]
[[File:Sonic on floor Rings.jpg|thumb|Eleventh doctor's sonic screwdriver ([[TV]]: ''[[The Rings of Akhaten (TV story)|The Rings of Akhaten]]'')]]
After the loss of the Mark VII, the TARDIS gifted the Doctor with this new model. Differing radically from the last due to having "claws" and a green diode, rather than blue, it also had copper plating similar to the new control room. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'') A psychic interface allowed its user to point it at a target and think of the function they wanted, instead of "settings"; however, it may have been a secondary way of using it. ([[TV]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler]]'') Having been mentioned to be more than sonic, ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors]]'') the Mark VIII  also shot beams of green energy. ([[TV]]: ''[[Day of the Moon]], [[Closing Time (TV story)|Closing Time]])
After the loss of the sonic screwdriver, the TARDIS gifted the Doctor with this new model. Differing radically from the last due to having "claws" and a green diode, rather than blue, it also had copper plating similar to the control room which had built itself following the TARDIS' crash landing in Leadworth. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'') A psychic interface allowed its user to point it at a target and think of the function they wanted, instead of "settings"; however, it may have been a secondary way of using it. ([[TV]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler]]'') Having been mentioned to be more than sonic, ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors]]'') this screwdriver also shot beams of green energy. ([[TV]]: ''[[Day of the Moon]], [[Closing Time (TV story)|Closing Time]])


Retaining ineffectiveness against [[wood]], it also didn't work against [[Peg Doll]]s or the [[Wooden King]] and [[Wooden Queen|Queen]].  ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors]], [[The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (TV story)|The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe]]'') The Doctor considered it embarassing and that "I need to invent a setting for wood." ([[TV]]: ''[[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]]'') Oddly, he defended once, "Oi! Don't diss the sonic!" ([[TV]]: ''[[The Hungry Earth]]'') At some point it had an anti-freeze setting. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Snowmen (TV story)|The Snowmen]]'')
Retaining ineffectiveness against [[wood]], it also didn't work against [[Peg Doll]]s or the [[Wooden King]] and [[Wooden Queen|Queen]].  ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors]], [[The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (TV story)|The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe]]'') The Doctor considered it embarassing and that "I need to invent a setting for wood." ([[TV]]: ''[[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]]'') Oddly, he defended once, "Oi! Don't diss the sonic!" ([[TV]]: ''[[The Hungry Earth]]'') At some point it had an anti-freeze setting. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Snowmen (TV story)|The Snowmen]]'')


It was destroyed and replaced repeatedly: bitten in half by a [[Sky shark]] and left behind, ([[TV]]: ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'') given to [[Ganger Doctor]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Rebel Flesh]]'') or simply fried out from over usage. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Silent Knight]]'') In all examples it was unknown how he received a new one, except for in the latter, when he was given it by [[Santa Claus]].
It was destroyed and replaced repeatedly: bitten in half by a [[Sky shark]] and left behind, ([[TV]]: ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'') given to [[Ganger Doctor]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Rebel Flesh]]'') or simply fried out from over usage. In the latter instance, a replacement was given to him by [[Santa Claus]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Silent Knight (comic story)|Silent Knight]]'')


==== Known Uses ====
==== Known uses ====
This mark of the sonic screwdriver was used for:
===== Security =====
===== Security =====
* Trying (unsuccessfully) to open the exit back into ''[[Starship UK]]''. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Beast Below]]'')
* Trying (unsuccessfully) to open the exit back into ''[[Starship UK]]''. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Beast Below]]'')
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* Disabling [[Silurian]] weapons. ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold Blood]]'')
* Disabling [[Silurian]] weapons. ([[TV]]: ''[[Cold Blood]]'')
* Scrambling a Cyberarm's circuits. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pandorica Opens (TV story)|The Pandorica Opens]]'')
* Scrambling a Cyberarm's circuits. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pandorica Opens (TV story)|The Pandorica Opens]]'')
* Giving orders to androids. ([[WC]]: ''[[The War of Art (short story)|The War of Art]]'')
* Giving orders to androids. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The War of Art (short story)|The War of Art]]'')
* To reconfigure the binaries in the TARDIS. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Evacuation Earth]]'')
* To reconfigure the binaries in the TARDIS. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Evacuation Earth]]'')
* Disabling a force field. ([[TV]]: ''[[A Good Man Goes to War]]'')
* Disabling a force field. ([[TV]]: ''[[A Good Man Goes to War]]'')
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* Heating [[water]] and ice. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Blood of the Cybermen]]'')
* Heating [[water]] and ice. ([[GAME]]: ''[[Blood of the Cybermen]]'')
* Lighting flaming torches. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pandorica Opens (TV story)|The Pandorica Opens]]'')
* Lighting flaming torches. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pandorica Opens (TV story)|The Pandorica Opens]]'')
* Heating up a [[tea]]pot. ([[WC]]: ''[[Snowfall]]'')
* Heating up a [[tea]]pot. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Snowfall]]'')
* As a lure to attract a [[Sky fish]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'')
* 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]]'')
* 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]]'')
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* Relaxing the grip from someone's hand ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Shroud of Sorrow (novel)|Shroud of Sorrow]]'')
* Relaxing the grip from someone's hand ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Shroud of Sorrow (novel)|Shroud of Sorrow]]'')


=== River's Screwdriver ===
=== River's screwdriver ===
The [[Doctor]] created this version at an unknown point in his life before River's final date with him at the [[Darillium]] [[Singing Towers]]. This version of the sonic screwdriver had the Mark VI's settings along with "dampers" and a "red setting" that allowed it to work without interference from [[Doctor Moon]]. The Doctor gave it to [[River Song]] so she would be ready when she met his [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]] in [[the Library]]. Unknown to her, this version included a [[Data Chip|Neural Relay]] which would save her [[data ghost]] for uploading into [[Charlotte Lux|the main computer]] of the Library. ([[TV]]: ''[[Silence in the Library]]'', ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'').
[[The Doctor]] created this version at an unknown point in his life before River's final date with him at the [[Darillium]] [[Singing Towers]]. This version of the sonic screwdriver had the settings of the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s model when he met her at [[the Library]] along with "dampers" and a "red setting" that allowed it to work without interference from [[Doctor Moon]]. The Doctor gave it to [[River Song]] so she would be ready when she met his [[Tenth Doctor|tenth incarnation]] in [[the Library]]. Unknown to her, this version included a [[Data Chip|Neural Relay]] which would save her [[data ghost]] for uploading into [[Charlotte Lux|the main computer]] of the Library. ([[TV]]: ''[[Silence in the Library]]'', ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'').


==== Known uses ====
==== Known uses ====
This mark of the sonic screwdriver was used for:
* Activating and disabling [[gravity platform]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
* Activating and disabling [[gravity platform]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
* Slowing the descent of a fall. ([[TV]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
* Slowing the descent of a fall. ([[TV]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
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== Related tools ==
== Related tools ==
* [[Liz Shaw]] had her own version of the [[Third Doctor]]'s "door handle" device, which she used to open the door to the Doctor's shed. ([[TV]]: ''[[Inferno (TV story)|Inferno]]'')
* A [[Second Doctor (clone)|clone of the Second Doctor]] also possessed a sonic screwdriver, which he used along with the [[Fourth Doctor]]'s to send [[Hexford]] home. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Survivors in Space]]'')
* A [[Second Doctor (clone)|clone of the Second Doctor]] also possessed a sonic screwdriver, which he used along with the [[Fourth Doctor]]'s to send [[Hexford]] home. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Survivors in Space]]'')
* [[Romana II]] constructed her own sonic screwdriver. Her version was so impressive, that the Doctor offered to swap sonic screwdrivers with her. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Horns of Nimon]]'') She later gave it to the Doctor. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Lungbarrow]]'') ''This resembled a smaller, slimmer version of the Doctor's Mark II.''
* [[Romana II]] constructed her own sonic screwdriver. Her version was so impressive, that the Doctor offered to swap sonic screwdrivers with her. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Horns of Nimon]]'') She later gave it to the Doctor. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Lungbarrow]]'')
* The [[Fifth Doctor]] had a device called a [[sonic prodder]], although he didn't consider it a tool like "his beloved sonic screwdriver" ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Falling from Xi'an]]'')
* The [[Fifth Doctor]] had a device called a [[sonic prodder]], although he didn't consider it a tool like "his beloved sonic screwdriver" ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Falling from Xi'an]]'')
{{main|Sonic prodder}}
* The Fifth Doctor also kept a [[Molenski Univarius]] in the TARDIS for repairs. He described it as a Gallifreyan "[[Swiss Army knife]]". While exploring the [[Axis]], he carried it with him and used it in the same fashion as later models of the sonic screwdriver, even using the sonic properties to fend off creatures with sound waves before it ran out of power and was discarded. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Axis of Insanity]]'')
* The Fifth Doctor also kept a [[Molenski Univarius]] in the TARDIS for repairs. He described it as a Gallifreyan "[[Swiss Army knife]]". While exploring the [[Axis]], he carried it with him and used it in the same fashion as later models of the sonic screwdriver, even using the sonic properties to fend off creatures with sound waves before it ran out of power and was discarded. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Axis of Insanity]]'')
* The [[Eighth Doctor]], despite having lost his memories, built a device he called a sonic suitcase using eighties technology. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Father Time (novel)|Father Time]]'')
{{main|Molenski Univarius}}
* {{Simm|c}} had a similar tool, called a '''[[laser screwdriver]]'''. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums]]'')
* The [[Eighth Doctor]], despite having lost his memories, built a device he called a [[sonic suitcase]] using eighties technology. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Father Time (novel)|Father Time]]'')
* Captain [[Jack Harkness]] and later [[River Song]] had '''[[sonic blaster]]s''. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Empty Child]]'' / ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'', ''[[Silence in the Library]]'' / ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
{{main|Sonic suitcase}}
* Using stolen and incomplete [[UNIT]] design plans, [[Toshiko Sato]] created a '''[[sonic modulator]]'''. ([[TV]]: ''[[Fragments (TV story)|Fragments]]'')
* {{Simm|c}} had a similar tool, called a [[laser screwdriver]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Sound of Drums]]'')
* [[Matron Cofelia|Miss Foster]] had a '''[[sonic pen]]''' with a design similar to the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s sonic screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[Partners in Crime]]'')
{{main|Laser screwdriver}}
* The Doctor gave [[Sarah Jane Smith]] a '''[[sonic lipstick]]''', a similar tool. ([[TV]]: ''[[Invasion of the Bane]]'')
* Captain [[Jack Harkness]] and later [[River Song]] had [[sonic blaster]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Empty Child]]'' / ''[[The Doctor Dances]]'', ''[[Silence in the Library]]'' / ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
* The Doctor mentioned that he once had a '''[[laser spanner]]''' as well, but [[Emmeline Pankhurst]] took it from him. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones]]'')
{{main|Sonic blaster}}
* [[Mrs Wormwood]] was in possession of a ring called a '''[[Phonic disruptor]]'''. ([[TV]]: ''[[Enemy of the Bane]]'')
* Using stolen and incomplete [[UNIT]] design plans, [[Toshiko Sato]] created a [[sonic modulator]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Fragments (TV story)|Fragments]]'')
{{main|Sonic modulator}}
* [[Matron Cofelia|Miss Foster]] had a [[sonic pen]] with a design similar to the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s sonic screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[Partners in Crime]]'')
* The Doctor gave [[Sarah Jane Smith]] a [[sonic lipstick]], a similar tool. ([[TV]]: ''[[Invasion of the Bane]]'') {{disputed}} {{facts}}
{{main|Sonic lipstick}}
* The Doctor mentioned that he once had a [[laser spanner]] as well, but [[Emmeline Pankhurst]] took it from him. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones]]'')
{{main|Laser spanner}}
* [[Mrs Wormwood]] was in possession of a ring called a [[phonic disruptor]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Enemy of the Bane]]'')
{{main|Phonic disruptor}}
* The [[Sixth Doctor]] defeated [[Cyberman (Mondas)|Cybermen]] using a [[sonic lance]], similar in function to the sonic screwdriver. The Doctor used it as a weapon. ([[TV]]: ''[[Attack of the Cybermen]]'')
* The [[Sixth Doctor]] defeated [[Cyberman (Mondas)|Cybermen]] using a [[sonic lance]], similar in function to the sonic screwdriver. The Doctor used it as a weapon. ([[TV]]: ''[[Attack of the Cybermen]]'')
* The [[Eleventh Doctor]] used a '''[[sonic cane]] '''to contact [[Amy Pond]] and [[Rory Williams]] while they were miniaturised inside the [[Teselecta]] and to scan the Teselecta. ([[TV]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler]]'')
{{main|Sonic lance}}
* While trapped on [[Apalapucia]] for thirty-six years, [[Amy Pond]] cobbled together a sonic screwdriver from various pieces of technology, although she insisted on calling it a '''"[[sonic probe]]"'''. She later admitted it was a sonic screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl Who Waited]]'')
* The [[Eleventh Doctor]] used a [[sonic cane]] to contact [[Amy Pond]] and [[Rory Williams]] while they were miniaturised inside the ''[[Teselecta]]'' and to scan the ''Teselecta''. ([[TV]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler]]'')
{{main|Sonic cane}}
* While trapped on [[Apalapucia]] for thirty-six years, [[Amy Pond]] cobbled together a sonic screwdriver from various pieces of technology, although she insisted on calling it a "[[sonic probe]]". She later admitted it was a sonic screwdriver. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Girl Who Waited]]'')
{{Main|Sonic probe}}
* [[Jackson Lake]] carried what is likely the most primitive iteration of the sonic screwdriver. His version was a regular [[19th century]] screwdriver, which he claimed was sonic by virtue of it making a sound when it was struck against a surface. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Next Doctor]]'')
* [[Jackson Lake]] carried what is likely the most primitive iteration of the sonic screwdriver. His version was a regular [[19th century]] screwdriver, which he claimed was sonic by virtue of it making a sound when it was struck against a surface. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Next Doctor]]'')
* [[Gabriel (The Pirate Loop)|Gabriel]] created a similar device that was made out of [[Firearm|guns]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Pirate Loop]]'')
* [[Gabriel (The Pirate Loop)|Gabriel]] created a similar device that was made out of [[Firearm|guns]]. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Pirate Loop]]'')
Line 523: Line 511:
* For unexplained reasons, the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s sonic screwdriver had a green casing in ''[[The Infinite Quest]]''.
* For unexplained reasons, the [[Tenth Doctor]]'s sonic screwdriver had a green casing in ''[[The Infinite Quest]]''.
* During early production of [[Series 1 (Doctor Who)|Series 1]] ([[2005]]), the production crew decided to switch from their original prop to one based on the toy sonic screwdriver because the first prop was prone to falling apart. The production team secured moulds of the toy replica to make a more reliable prop for [[Series 2 (Doctor Who)|the next season]].
* During early production of [[Series 1 (Doctor Who)|Series 1]] ([[2005]]), the production crew decided to switch from their original prop to one based on the toy sonic screwdriver because the first prop was prone to falling apart. The production team secured moulds of the toy replica to make a more reliable prop for [[Series 2 (Doctor Who)|the next season]].
* There are two main versions of the Mark VI sonic screwdriver - one 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 Eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver - one has a slide feature with button, and one which does not slide and has a fixed button. The two prop types varied each episode.


=== Concept art ===
=== Concept art ===
Line 531: Line 519:


=== Sonic screwdriver toy ===
=== Sonic screwdriver toy ===
* A toy of the Mark VII ([[Matt Smith]] version) was seen in "Light Echoes", an edition of [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mk7h "The Sky at Night"] broadcast on [http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc4 BBC4] on Wednesday 5th October 2010. The screwdriver was (jokingly) used to scan a part of the [http://www.lofar.org.uk LOFAR] radio telescope, then under construction in Chilbolton, Hampshire, UK.
* A toy of the [[Eleventh Doctor]]'s version was seen in "Light Echoes", an edition of [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mk7h "The Sky at Night"] broadcast on [http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc4 BBC4] on Wednesday 5th October 2010. The screwdriver was (jokingly) used to scan a part of the [http://www.lofar.org.uk 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 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.


Line 541: Line 529:


=== Other matters ===
=== Other matters ===
* In the original script for ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'', the Doctor referred to the Mark VI screwdriver as "Level 4000" technology.
* 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.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-17760077 Dr Who's sonic screwdriver 'invented' at Dundee University]</ref>
* 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.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-17760077 Dr Who's sonic screwdriver 'invented' at Dundee University]</ref>
*The [[Poldigon]] scientists the Seventh Doctor encountered on Celdor knew of Sonic screwdrivers, but not of The Doctor himself. This suggests they were at least partly a Gallifreyan invention and not entirely of the Doctor's creation. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Doomsday Quatrain]]'')
*The [[Poldigon]] scientists the Seventh Doctor encountered on Celdor knew of Sonic screwdrivers, but not of The Doctor himself. This suggests they were at least partly a Gallifreyan invention and not entirely of the Doctor's creation. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Doomsday Quatrain]]'')

Revision as of 18:26, 10 August 2013

This article needs to be updated.

Per Thread:133842 establishes there's some inconsistency among the writers, but there is nonetheless a sonic in the Doctor's possession by the time of his travels with Benny in the NAs.

These omissions are so great that the article's factual accuracy has been compromised. Check out the discussion page and revision history for further clues about what needs to be updated in this article.

The sonic screwdriver — often called the sonic — was a highly versatile tool used by many, but not all, incarnations of the Doctor. The Doctor modified and ostensibly upgraded it over the years, giving it an increasing number of applications. Early versions were used mainly for the picking of locks and for projecting sound so as to, for example, detonate bombs. By the time of the Ninth Doctor, the sonic was able to also be used as a sophisticated scanning device, with medical applications. Subsequent incarnations gave it even wider functionality, such as the ability to hack into computers, provide geolocation and actively defend against some types of assault weapon.

Technology and functions

The sonic screwdriver was considered to be very advanced Gallifreyan technology. (PROSE: Heart of TARDIS) The First Doctor built the first sonic screwdriver (or an innovative model of one) instead of wooing a woman, something he later regretted. (TV: A Christmas Carol) He suggested that he did it partially out of boredom. (TV: The Doctor Dances) Other alien races had similar devices, such as the sonic pen used by Miss Foster (TV: Partners in Crime) and the sonic blaster obtained by Captain Jack Harkness and River Song. (TV: The Empty Child / The Doctor Dances, Silence in the Library / Forest of the Dead) The name of the device suggests that it functioned using sound waves, although its actual workings were never truly explained.

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) 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 different versions of the Doctor's sonic screwdrivers exhibited different capabilities and uses, such as the interception of signals ranging from transmat beams to conscious thought; (TV: The End of the World) medical diagnostics and repair of organic parts; (TV: The Empty Child, The Vampires of Venice) cutting, but also re-attaching materials such as barbed wire; (TV: The Doctor Dances) operating Earth machinery such as computers and even cash machines (at regular and high eject speeds); (TV: School Reunion, The Runaway Bride) creating a spark to light a candle or Bunsen burner; (TV: The Girl in the Fireplace, Evolution of the Daleks) pushing/lifting heavy objects; (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)

Although it was primarily a tool, the sonic screwdriver could also be used as a defensive weapon. The Tenth Doctor put it in a sound board 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 Doctor also used it to try and help River Song defeat a group of Silents although River teased him by saying it would be better if he used it to "build a cabinet". However the Doctor implied that although it couldn't actually hurt the Silent's it could weaken the power of their electricity, therefore allowing him to provide River with a certain degree of protection while she shot down their foes. (TV: Day of the Moon)

Although the Eighth Doctor once claimed the device could destroy a Dalek's brain if held directly against the casing when activated, (PROSE: War of the Daleks) according to the Tenth Doctor, the device could not be used to wound, maim or kill living things. (TV: Doomsday, The Doctor's Daughter) It could destroy non-living objects or mechanisms or place living creatures in circumstances where they might die, if the situation required. (TV: The End of the World, The Christmas Invasion)

From time to time, the sonic screwdriver needed to be recharged. (TV: Silence in the Library / Forest of the Dead, PROSE: The Monsters Inside, COMIC: Bizarre Zero) It was self-repairing and could send out a homing signal to any parts that had been separated. (TV: A Christmas Carol) However, it was up to the owner to collect the parts for reassembly.

Sonic screwdrivers and similar technology could not unlock a deadlock seal. (TV: School Reunion) To undo one of these seals, the user would need at least two sonic devices. One such instance was when the Tenth Doctor used his own sonic screwdriver in conjunction with Miss Foster's sonic pen to open the deadlock seals on and within her own facility when the Doctor's screwdriver alone could not. (TV: Partners in Crime) Some or all versions were ineffective against wood, or in the presence of some models of hairdryers. (TV: Silence in the Library / Forest of the Dead, The Hungry Earth, Night Terrors, PROSE: Catastrophea)

Variants of the Doctor's sonic screwdriver

The earliest known version of the sonic screwdriver in use. (TV: The War Games)

The First and Second Doctor's sonic

One sonic screwdriver, a small, simple device similar to a penlight, used by the First (PROSE: Venusian Lullaby) and Second Doctor. (TV: Fury from the Deep) It was used by the Eighth Doctor after it was destroyed "centuries ago". He explained how this occurred to his companion Samantha Jones: "It's a Time Lord tool. Time doesn't work the same way for Time Lord tools." (PROSE: Alien Bodies)

Known uses

The Third Doctor's sonic

The Third Doctor's most-used model of the sonic screwdriver was much larger than the one his first and second incarnation used; its elaborately-detailed silver shape featured black and yellow stripes and red trim. It had a removable head which the Doctor would change with others, each performing a different function. (TV: The Sea Devils)

Known uses

Refit used by the Third, Fourth and Fifth Doctor

The Third Doctor 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. (TV: Frontier in Space) This refit left the metal mostly unpainted, with a dark red emitter ring. The head of this model could be extended. Before this model was destroyed (TV: The Visitation), its head was repainted twice after the original coat wore off. (TV: The Keeper of Traken, Castrovalva) The Doctor went without a sonic screwdriver for some time after this model and Nyssa lamented the Fifth Doctor's decision not to replace it. (TV: Snakedance)

Known uses

Used from the end of the Seventh Doctor's life

Chang Lee discovers the sonic screwdriver amongst the things he stole from the Seventh Doctor. (TV: Doctor Who)

Towards the end of his seventh life, the Doctor fished another type of sonic screwdriver from one of the tool kits in the TARDIS. This model looked similar to the screwdriver seen at the end of his fourth incarnation; it was completely silver. The handle resembled a small torch, and the tip was a ring with a red sphere in its centre. To use this model, the tip was pointed at the object in question. This version remained in the Eighth Doctor's use throughout his life. There was a torch built into the handle. Once, while suffering from amnesia, the Doctor distracted himself and operated this sonic screwdriver on instinct. [source needed]

Known uses

After Lucie and Tamsin

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) 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)

Known uses

The Ninth and Tenth Doctor's sonic

The Doctor had yet another screwdriver during his eigthth incarnation, this one with a glowing blue diode at one end. Although the Eighth Doctor was known to have used it as well, (PROSE: Osskah) this model was much more ubiquitous as the model carried by the Ninth Doctor, who used it far less frequently like his previous incarnations had done before. The Tenth Doctor also used this model, as he liked tinkering with technology to make devices he needed. This version was burnt out by accident after the Doctor used it to modify an X-ray output to over 5000%, but had replaced it with a near-identical model. (TV: Smith and Jones) The only visible difference was the colour scheme of the handle. The tenth incarnation had this screwdriver on his person during his regeneration, and was damaged repeatedly afterwards, which led to 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)

Known uses

Security
Medical
Diagnostic
Technology
Amplification
Utility

After Prisoner Zero

Eleventh doctor's sonic screwdriver (TV: The Rings of Akhaten)

After the loss of the sonic screwdriver, the TARDIS gifted the Doctor with this new model. Differing radically from the last due to having "claws" and a green diode, rather than blue, it also had copper plating similar to the control room which had built itself following the TARDIS' crash landing in Leadworth. (TV: The Eleventh Hour) A psychic interface allowed its user to point it at a target and think of the function they wanted, instead of "settings"; however, it may have been a secondary way of using it. (TV: Let's Kill Hitler) Having been mentioned to be more than sonic, (TV: Night Terrors) this screwdriver also shot beams of green energy. (TV: Day of the Moon, Closing Time)

Retaining ineffectiveness against wood, it also didn't work against Peg Dolls or the Wooden King and Queen. (TV: Night Terrors, The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe) The Doctor considered it embarassing and that "I need to invent a setting for wood." (TV: 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) Oddly, he defended once, "Oi! Don't diss the sonic!" (TV: The Hungry Earth) At some point it had an anti-freeze setting. (TV: The Snowmen)

It was destroyed and replaced repeatedly: bitten in half by a Sky shark and left behind, (TV: A Christmas Carol) given to Ganger Doctor, (TV: The Rebel Flesh) or simply fried out from over usage. In the latter instance, a replacement was given to him by Santa Claus. (COMIC: Silent Knight)

Known uses

Security
Medical
Diagnostic
Technology
Amplification
Other

River's screwdriver

The Doctor created this version at an unknown point in his life before River's final date with him at the Darillium Singing Towers. This version of the sonic screwdriver had the settings of the Tenth Doctor's model when he met her at the Library along with "dampers" and a "red setting" that allowed it to work without interference from Doctor Moon. The Doctor gave it to River Song so she would be ready when she met his tenth incarnation in the Library. Unknown to her, this version included a Neural Relay which would save her data ghost for uploading into the main computer of the Library. (TV: Silence in the Library, Forest of the Dead).

Known uses

Related tools

Main article: Sonic prodder
  • The Fifth Doctor also kept a Molenski Univarius in the TARDIS for repairs. He described it as a Gallifreyan "Swiss Army knife". While exploring the Axis, he carried it with him and used it in the same fashion as later models of the sonic screwdriver, even using the sonic properties to fend off creatures with sound waves before it ran out of power and was discarded. (AUDIO: The Axis of Insanity)
Main article: Molenski Univarius
Main article: Sonic suitcase
Main article: Laser screwdriver
Main article: Sonic blaster
Main article: Sonic modulator
Main article: Sonic lipstick
Main article: Laser spanner
Main article: Phonic disruptor
Main article: Sonic lance
Main article: Sonic cane
  • While trapped on Apalapucia for thirty-six years, Amy Pond cobbled together a sonic screwdriver from various pieces of technology, although she insisted on calling it a "sonic probe". She later admitted it was a sonic screwdriver. (TV: The Girl Who Waited)
Main article: Sonic probe

Behind the scenes

The sonic screwdriver prop

  • The sonic screwdriver was retired during the Fifth Doctor serial The Visitation, as it was felt that it had been overused. It was absent for the Sixth and Seventh Doctor's eras, except in the TV Movie, in which the Seventh Doctor used it to lock the Master's remains away. The Eighth Doctor recovered it at the end of the film. The tool was reintroduced with the Ninth Doctor and has become the show's most frequently used gadget besides the TARDIS itself. It has since appeared in many Seventh and Eighth Doctor audio adventures from Big Finish Productions.
  • For unexplained reasons, the Tenth Doctor's sonic screwdriver had a green casing in The Infinite Quest.
  • During early production of Series 1 (2005), the production crew decided to switch from their original prop to one based on the toy sonic screwdriver because the first prop was prone to falling apart. The production team secured moulds of the toy replica to make a more reliable prop for the next season.
  • There are two main versions of the Eleventh Doctor's sonic screwdriver - one has a slide feature with button, and one which does not slide and has a fixed button. The two prop types varied each episode.

Concept art

  • Early conceptual art of the modern era sonic screwdriver feature 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Sonic screwdriver toy

  • 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 Visual Dictionary

Attack of the Graske

In NOTDWU: Attack of the Graske, the Tenth Doctor appears to break the fourth wall by noting the player at home's been watching his adventures. Later, he points the sonic screwdriver at the television screen, transferring its powers to the player's digital remote control. This, along with having the player choose multiple endings to this game, disqualifies it as a valid source on this wiki.

Other matters

  • 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.[1]
  • The Poldigon scientists the Seventh Doctor encountered on Celdor knew of Sonic screwdrivers, but not of The Doctor himself. This suggests they were at least partly a Gallifreyan invention and not entirely of the Doctor's creation. (AUDIO: The Doomsday Quatrain)

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Dr Who's sonic screwdriver 'invented' at Dundee University
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