
What is a square-headed screwdriver?
The internal square drive required a bit more manufacturing ingenuity than did making the cheap yet popular slotted head, however. Once Robertson had conceived the notion of a square-headed screwdriver, he toyed with various manufacturing methods until he was able to produce screws with a square-shaped imprint on their heads.
What kind of screwdriver has a square tip?
Square (or Robertson) Screwdriver Named after an esteemed Canadian inventor, the Robertson is easily recognized by it’s unique tapered square tip. There’s no other protrusions involved in the shape, it’s head is simply a flat and square.
What are the different types of screwdrivers called?
Names of Screwdriver Types Flat Head (or Slotted or Straight Head) Phillips Pozidriv Torx Hex (or Allen key or Allen wrench) * (Ikea loves this one) Robertson (Canada’s most common) Tri-Wing Torq-Set Spanner
Can you use a square head screw with a Phillips screwdriver?
A common brand of Square head screws is Backer-On. One company that makes Square head screws, Spax, makes screws that can use either a Square head or Phillips driver. These are great to use since they give you a choice (when I use them I always use the Square head portion.)

What are the 4 types of screwdrivers?
4 Types of Screwdrivers Every DIYer Should OwnFlat Type Screwdrivers. ... Phillips (PH) Type Screwdrivers. ... Pozidriv (PZ) Type Screwdrivers. ... Torx Tamper-Proof (TPX) Type Screwdrivers. ... Teng Tools Screwdrivers.
What are square screwdrivers for?
Square Drive Screws are designed for use in furniture manufacturing operations and other demanding industries using hardwoods and other “tough” materials. “Drywall” screws are made of hardened , brittle steel and will often snap under the loads applied to drive them in joining two pieces of wood.
What is a Robertson screwdriver used for?
Inventor Peter Lymburner Robertson came up with the idea in 1908 after cutting his hand with a slotted screwdriver. The head features a slightly tapered square socket making it self-centering, easier to drive one-handed, and slip-resistant.
Is there a square screwdriver?
Includes (3) square recess screwdrivers: S1 x 4 in., S2 x 4 in., S3 x 4 in....Product Specifications.Brand NameTEKTONHead StyleSquareIncluded Components(3) Square recess screwdrivers: S1, S2, S3Item Weight10.9 ouncesMaterialAlloy Steel11 more rows
What are square head screws?
Also known as square drive screws, square head screws are threaded fasteners that feature a square-shaped recess within the head. They still feature a threaded shank, which may or may not converge at a pointed tip. Regardless, square head screws have a square-shaped recess.
How do you unscrew a square screw?
1:238:04REMOVING SQUARE-HEADED SCREWS W/O PROPER BIT OR A ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhich you hit with a hammer. And you can put various heads on it this is the only one i have. AndMoreWhich you hit with a hammer. And you can put various heads on it this is the only one i have. And then hit it with a hammer.
Is Robertson the same as square?
Although the terms "square drive" and "Robertson" are often treated as the same in catalogs, the difference (as I understand it) is that Robertson tools and screws have a slight taper to the square recess and the square drive ones do not. Most online sources claim that the tapered design is superior.
What does a Torx head look like?
Torx is the trademark for a type of screw head, developed by Camcar Textron in 1967. It's characterised by a distinct, 6-point star-shaped pattern and is often called a 'star screw' that requires a 'star screwdriver' with a 'star bit' to tighten and untighten them.
What is the difference between a Robertson and a Phillips screwdriver?
Phillips heads have a cross-shaped tool indent. Hex socket screws require an Allen wrench, while hex screws are entirely hexagonal without an indent for a tool, meaning it needs a wrench or socket wrench. Square indentations are also known as Robertson screw heads and require a special driving tool.
What is a square head bit called?
Robertson ScrewWhat is a Robertson Screw or Robertson Head Screw? Most of us call Robertson screws “square drive” or “socket head” screws. They were invented by Canadian traveling salesman Peter Robertson around 1906.
Why is it called a Robertson screwdriver?
Peter frequently told the story- now a legend – about the accident in downtown Montréal. He was demonstrating a spring-loaded screwdriver when the blade slipped from the screw-slot and badly cut his hand. The incident inspired him, so he decided to invent an improved and safer screw – The Robertson® Drive.
What is a #1 Robertson screwdriver?
Green Robertson screwdriver (#1) operates with screw types 5, 6, and 7, with a recess size range of 2.82 to 2.86 mm. Red Robertson screwdriver functions with screw types 8, 9, and 10 and has a recess size range of 3.34 to 3.38 mm.
Are Square Drive Screws better?
Square drive screws have a center square that neatly fits a driver - advantages to consider when working on a construction or DIY projects that use composite materials or join angles. For starters, they are most resistant to cam-outs or screwdriver slips, and the connections are tight.
Why are deck screws square?
A popular head shape is a square, because it holds the driver and doesn't strip as easily as Phillips heads. One feature of deck screws that makes them easy to install is the sharpness of their point. They often come to a very sharp, narrow point, to reduce the necessity of drilling pilot holes.
What is a square drive bit?
Square Drive (and “Combo” Square Drive) screws are designed so that the driver bits fit snugly into the recess. This tight fit holds the screw to the driver bit allowing for one handed driving in many applications.
Is square Drive the same as Robertson?
Although the terms "square drive" and "Robertson" are often treated as the same in catalogs, the difference (as I understand it) is that Robertson tools and screws have a slight taper to the square recess and the square drive ones do not. Most online sources claim that the tapered design is superior.
What are the different types of screwdrivers?
There’s many screwdriver types, but for 99% of people these 6 common ones are all you’ll ever need to know. 1. The Flat Head (Slotted Head) Screwdriver. This is one of the oldest screwdriver types we know. It came into use during 15th century Europe and remains widely used worldwide today.
What is a hex screwdriver?
Hex (or Hexagon) Screwdriver. Loose hex bolts, nuts and screws beware. The Hex screwdriver is used for bolts, not screws, and features a recessed tip rather than protrusions like the other mentioned screwdriver types.
What size screwdriver fits a screw?
Though most often you’ll come across sizes 1 and 2 , which fit most standard size screws (2) and electronics and jewelry (1). Flat head (Slotted) screwdriver types are different, measured by fractions of an inch. So before you begin, just make sure the screwdriver fits the screw head properly.
What is a Pozridriv screwdriver?
A Pozridriv Screwdriver is recognizable by it’s double-cross, one Phillips cross with another cross over-layed and offset by 45 degrees. This design is widely used in Europe, but not so common in America. It’s more stable than Phillips and are used in situations that need more powerful torque for tightening a screw.
How many parts are in a screwdriver?
There are three basic parts of a screwdriver: the handle, the shank, and the head. Some consider the tip (the tip of the metal head) as being it’s own part of a screwdriver, so there’s actually 4 parts.
Which tips are wider than the screwdriver shaft?
Cabinet – These tips are wider than the screwdriver shaft, making them more useful for woodworking and larger screws.
What is the Robertson's head?
Named after an esteemed Canadian inventor, the Robertson is easily recognized by it’s unique tapered square tip. There’s no other protrusions involved in the shape, it’s head is simply a flat and square. This shape is highly reliable and great for production as having no angles means no cam effect. They’re widely used in North America, but not so much in European countries.
When was the square screwdriver invented?
Image credit: sockagphoto/Shutterstock.com. The Robertson screwdriver, also known as a square screwdriver, was invented in 1908 by P.L. Robertson, a native Canadian. The screwdriver presented a solution to the frequent problem users encountered with flathead screwdrivers: the driver often slipped out of place and slowed down the process ...
When did the screwdriver patent expire?
The original patent expired in 1964 which too may account for the form showing up more frequently in the States.
What size screws do Black Robertson drivers work with?
Black Robertson drivers work with the largest screws, types 12 and higher, and have a recess range of 4.81 to 4.85 mm.
What made square head bolts obsolete?
On the industrial side of things, square-headed bolts became obsolete with the advent of hex bolts and a similar situation developed with the hexagonal socket. The shallower drive angles of the hexes made for better torque transfer and the development of ball-nosed hex keys made it possible to drive the hex sockets at an angle, another benefit of the Phillips design. Cam-out became a less desirable feature with torque-controlled drivers increasingly available. But it was another necessity that led to the development of the Allen hex socket – about the same time as the Robertson drive: the need to remove the hazard of exposed set screws which, installed to hold transmission components on rotating shafting, presented a snagging hazard.
Who made the cruciform socket?
Henry Phillips had shown his new cruciform socket design to many major screw manufacturers but it was not until he showed it to Eugene Green in 1933 that it caught the interest of the American Screw Co.’s newly appointed president.
Why is Phillips head better than Robertson?
An advantage of the Phillips head over the Robertson design was that it could “cam out” after reaching a certain torque level, preventing damage to the screw and driver from over-torquing. This was at a time when torque-controllable screwdrivers had not yet arrived.
Who invented the square head screwdriver?
The Square head screwdriver (also known as "Robertson"), was invented by Peter L. Robertson, a Canadian. It is the most common screw in Canada today (Hail Canada!), but it is also sold in the US.
What is a slotted screw?
Slotted screws are the simplest type of screw, consisting of a single slot at the head of the screw. Generally not in heavy use in the US, but they are still around.
What is the smallest Torx screw?
The sizes of Torx screws and drivers are designated by a "T" and a number, eg: T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40. "T7" is the smallest and "T40" is the largest.
Why did the Phillips screw come out?
The Phillips screw, named after Henry F. Phillips, was purposely designed to "cam out", or have the screwdriver come out after putting too much torque on the screw. This was an intentional engineering point, since at the beginning of the 20th century, machine tools were generating high amounts of torque that were breaking screw heads off.
How many points of contact does a Phillips screw have?
They are similar to Square screws in that it allows the driver to go deep into the head, except that instead of having 4 points of contact like the Square, it has 6 points of contact. As such, this makes it, in my opinion, superior to the Square, and much more superior than the Phillips.
What is a slotted screw?
The slotted screw is commonly found in existing products and installations, along with use in simple carpentry work and in applications where minimal torque is needed . Slot screws are also used in the restoration of antique furniture, vehicles, and equipment.
When was the first screw holding screw made?
At least one mechanical method of temporarily holding a slotted screw to a matching screwdriver is available, the Quick-Wedge screw-holding screwdriver, first manufactured by the Kedman Company in the 1950s. Dzus fasteners, which have a cam-lock body instead of a threaded body, use a slot drive.
What type of drive does a Dzus fastener use?
Dzus fasteners, which have a cam-lock body instead of a threaded body, use a slot drive.
Where are Robertson screws used?
Robertson screws are commonplace in Canada, though they have been used elsewhere : 85–86 and have become much more common in other countries. As patents expired and awareness of their advantages spread, Robertson fasteners have become popular in woodworking and in general construction. Combination Robertson/Phillips drives are often used in the electrical trade, particularly for device and circuit breaker terminals, as well as clamp connectors.
What tool is used to drive a slot?
The tool used to drive a slot is called a common blade, flat-blade, slot-head, flat-tip or flat-head / flathead screwdriver.
How many squares are there in a triple square?
The triple-square, also known as XZN, is a type of screw drive with 12 equally spaced protrusions, each ending in a 90° internal angle. The name derives from overlaying three equal squares to form such a pattern with 12 right-angled protrusions (a 12-pointed star).
How many points does a double square drive have?
The double-square drive is two squares superimposed at 45° rotation, forming an 8- pointed star. The design is similar to a square drive (Robertson), but can be engaged at more frequent angles by the driver bit.
What is the difference between an electrician's screwdriver and a regular screwdriver?
The difference between the two is that, on an electrician ’s screwdriver, the handle and shaft are insulated to protect the user from any possible electric shock. Many tools are insulated to resist up to 1,000 volts AC, but it is always good to double-check the specifications.
What is insulated screwdriver?
That is why this insulated screwdriver set from Milwaukee Tools is an essential tool for both professional electricians and homeowners. With dual-layer insulation, the product is impact-resistant and flame retardant to provide increased protection against any electrical shock. Since each layer of the dual insulation is a contrasting color, users will be able to tell if any insulation is damaged or chipped, thus ensuring the best protection and avoiding dangerous conditions.
What is a Famistar magnetic screwdriver?
As a 14-piece set, the Famistar magnetic screwdriver set includes many different types of screwdrivers in a large range of sizes. This electrician screwdriver set includes a flat blade, a phillips head, a square head, a hex socket, and even a torx head. The featured torx tip, and the choice of many other types of screwdrivers, make this set perfect for those wanting to work on electronic devices, as one computer repair technician confirmed. Yet due to this variety, the insulated screwdriver sets can also be used for virtually any other project that would require an electrician screwdriver.
What makes Felo insulated screwdrivers stand out from the rest?
What makes the Felo insulated screwdriver set stand out from the rest is its cleverly designed ergonomic cushion grip handle. Unlike a typical ergonomic handle, this grip can form itself to the user's hand. Not only does this contoured cushion grip handle make for a more comfortable experience, but it can even allow for more torque and grip to get the job done efficiently. One user commented, “These screwdrivers feel great in your hand and tend to shape to your grip giving you leverage for those tight angles and awkward situations.”
What is Torx screwdriver?
Torx screwdrivers have a flat tip but are in the shape of a 6-point star. Although this screwdriver is slightly less common in a set, it is still very useful for matching the unique shape of the screws that can be found on vehicles or computers. Torx measurements are identified by the letter “T” and a number of one of their 24 different sizes. This tool also has a similar variation called a security torx. This type of head resembles a standard torx with the exception of a hallowed center to fit specific screws that have a raised pin in the center.
How much is a RDEER screwdriver set?
For anyone after a set of insulated screwdrivers that come with a lot of different accessories and a large variation of head sizes and types for an economical price, the RDEER insulated screwdriver set ( $29.90, Amazon) is a nice buy. If you still want the attractive price tag but maximum safety, the Milwaukee screwdriver set ( $23.19, Amazon) is another top option.
How many volts does a Klein screwdriver hold?
The construction of these Klein screwdrivers allows them to resist impact and even protect users against electric shock of up to 1,000 volts. This screwdriver set also features cushion grip handles to ensure that users can get a better grip when working while also eliminating a lot of the stress on their hands.
What size bit to use for a hole in a hole?
Depending on the size of the hole, I'd probably try a one inch driver bit with a #1 or #2 or #3 square drive head. If you've got a driver that fits but no extra room, you can grip it with a pliers (Vise Grip style) or a small crescent wrench to turn it. Of course, if you've got enough space to hold it in a 1/4 in socket it's “easy cheesy” from there.
How long is a hex shank?
You can find the hex shank bits in various lengths of 1 to 6 inches, and bit extenders are common to fit various ratcheting screwdriver handles and even use a 1/4 hex socket set with a ratchet and extensions to reach all kinds of deep places. Examples from Amazon. 2.1K views.
How to get a bit into a tight place?
To get them into a tight place put the bit into a right-angle attachment. Again, your local hardware store should have them.
Can you grasp a pan head?
If the head is pan head or partly above the surface it may be able to be grasped with pliers/vicegrips (or welded to) and twisted out.
Can you grasp a screw head with pliers?
If the head is pan head or partly above the surface it may be able to be grasped with pliers/vicegrips (or welded to) and twisted out. If the anchoring substrate is wood or somethin. Continue Reading. It REALLY depends what the screw head type is, what it’s fastening into and what you’re trying to remove.
Can you put lubricant on screws?
Don’t add lubricants to screws in wood or other porous materials, they can expand griping it tighter, but do consider a penetrating oil or rust dissolving compound for screws in appropriate metals.
