why do we still use phillips screws?

[BlahBlahYouToo]

it seems like half the time, they get stripped if you apply too much torque.

it needs to be permanently replaced by square, hex, torx... anything.

 

[Numenorean]

Why do we still use slot screws? That's an even better question.

 

[olds]

Why do we still use slot screws? That's an even better question.

I was going to post this.

 

[bignateyk]

It's still 100x better than straight blade screws. I would go back in time and murder whoever invented those if I could.

 

[ShawnD1]

it seems like half the time, they get stripped if you apply too much torque.

it needs to be permanently replaced by square, hex, torx... anything.

That's not a failure of the slot design. It's because you're buying cheap chinese screws that bend easily.

Any slot will fail if you use bad metal. Something like a hex or torx will strip just as bad if you use garbage screws.

 

[Krazy4Real]

Stop using cheap screws.

 

[Evadman]

Why do we still use slot screws? That's an even better question.

This times infinity.

 

[CallMeJoe]

it seems like half the time, they get stripped if you apply too much torque.
it needs to be permanently replaced by square, hex, torx... anything.

Why do you blame the fastener design for your ineptitude with tools?

 

[seepy83]

I had 2 square screws strip on me this weekend.

There has to be some kind of bad joke in there somewhere...

 

[punjabiplaya]

flathead screws = FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

 

[Wyndru]

Stop using cheap screws.

Or the wrong size bit/screwdriver for the screw. A lot of people think just because it's phillips they can use any size/depth phillips.

 

[spidey07]

Philips head are specifically designed so you can't over torque them, that's why. The screwdriver slipping out is the design working properly.

 

[edro]

Or the wrong size bit/screwdriver for the screw. A lot of people think just because it's phillips they can use any size/depth phillips.

Correct.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Philips head are specifically designed so you can't over torque them, that's why. The screwdriver slipping out is the design working properly.

This

 

[Blackjack200]

Stop using cheap screws.

Cheap =/= soft. Stainless, galvanized screws or brass screws are going to be much softer than regular old steel screws. It's just a property of the metal

Or the wrong size bit/screwdriver for the screw. A lot of people think just because it's phillips they can use any size/depth phillips.

This, if you have the right size driver and put a good amount of force behind it, you will usually get good results.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

It seems most prefer screwing Phillip.

 

[dullard]

Philips head are specifically designed so you can't over torque them, that's why. The screwdriver slipping out is the design working properly.

Exactly. We use Phillips specifically so that the screw can't be over-torqued.

Since the OP wants to over-torque the screw, he should use a screw designed for that type of torque. Or better, stop over-torquing.

 

[MotF Bane]

It seems most prefer screwing Phillip.

And don't like screwing slots.

 

[spidey07]

Exactly. We use Phillips specifically so that the screw can't be over-torqued.

Since the OP wants to over-torque the screw, he should use a screw designed for that type of torque. Or better, stop over-torquing.

Googling around it was also used in automation/manufacturing and was quite transformative in that regard.. It really was a tremendous invention. If you look in your car, you'll still see philps head used almost everywhere exclusively.

 

[ThePresence]

Why do we still use slot screws? That's an even better question.

I don't believe we do.

 

[Drako]

Philips head are specifically designed so you can't over torque them, that's why. The screwdriver slipping out is the design working properly.

Exactly. We use Phillips specifically so that the screw can't be over-torqued.

Since the OP wants to over-torque the screw, he should use a screw designed for that type of torque. Or better, stop over-torquing.

These.

Working as designed!

 

[WaTaGuMp]

And don't like screwing slots.

When it comes to screwing I rather have 2 slots than 1.

 

[Numenorean]

I don't believe we do.

They are still on every electrical outlet that I have seen.

And they are in many other things as well.

Now, of course I wouldn't actually buy any myself to use.

 

[Lemon law]

Philips head are specifically designed so you can't over torque them, that's why. The screwdriver slipping out is the design working properly.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On this one point Spideyo07 is correct, but the point ignored is also the costs of manufacture.
Its always far cheaper to use a soft screw head material, easier machining and and longer tool life of the special milling or broaching tool used to cut the slot(s). And then if we try to cut something like an allen wrench receiver in soft steel we then harden, we can get to a sad state of up the creek without a paddle, if the screw head then cracks in use. Been there done that in my time as a toolmaker, and take my word for it really sucks.

In short, woe onto them who exceed design torque limitations. Which also ignores the fact that designers worship cheap and not sound engineering. And that other point, the screw may go home to bottom easily, but add a little rust and corrosion, and getting it out often greatly exceeds design limits.

 

[DrPizza]

Also not mentioned - cheap 99 cent phillips screwdrivers tend to slip and strip screws a lot more than a good screwdriver with an excellent, correct-sized bit.