Why do we use phillips screws instead of all flathead screws?
- Thread starter JEDI
- Start date
Phillips head screws are much faster for manufacturing. Try to seat a slotted screwdriver while assembling things on an assembly line. Imagine trying to install drywall with slotted screws. You would be lucky to get half the production.
(NOTE: You mean slotted screws. Flathead screws come in both slotted and Phillips head.)
(NOTE: You mean slotted screws. Flathead screws come in both slotted and Phillips head.)
Flatheads also read much slower. So if the screw is heavily accessed there is a higher overhead on the system resources.
Try using the correct size phillips head screwdriver.
I have no problems with phillips head screws and I encounter them on a daily basis.
Kelemvor
Lifer
- May 23, 2002
- 16,928
- 8
- 81
Actually the Square headed/slotted ones work really well too. And it's near impossible to strip them if you have the bit in there properly. My dad started using them all the time and I'm beginning to like them a lot as well.
But normal slotted ones are too easy for the screwdriver to come out of the slot if it isn't perfectly straight on. Philips ones are easy for that but if it slips they strip pretty easy. Squares/hex/etc are probably the best but haven't caught on yet because there's billions of philips/slotted ones out there already.
But normal slotted ones are too easy for the screwdriver to come out of the slot if it isn't perfectly straight on. Philips ones are easy for that but if it slips they strip pretty easy. Squares/hex/etc are probably the best but haven't caught on yet because there's billions of philips/slotted ones out there already.
I do to and I just love Snap-On's ratcheting screwdrivers ACR Phillips bits. They have a tendency to grab and not let go of the screw.
Slotted screws should be made illegal.
I work on boats, and having to deal with both is a pain in the ***.
I work on boats, and having to deal with both is a pain in the ***.
alkemyst
No Lifer
- Feb 13, 2001
- 83,769
- 19
- 81
A slotted screw is a PITA to use, they do have advantages though...however.
A phillips is fine if you 1) use the right sized screwdriver (many use the wrong size) and 2) use the right grade of metal for the torque you will see.
Shallow slotted screws are a bitch to work with though, too easy for the driver to slip and mar the surface.
Å
A phillips is fine if you 1) use the right sized screwdriver (many use the wrong size) and 2) use the right grade of metal for the torque you will see.
Shallow slotted screws are a bitch to work with though, too easy for the driver to slip and mar the surface.
Å
We were on a job recently, installing door closers. The #3 Phillips included with the hardware were too shallow. I took one of my Craftsman screwdrivers and ground off about .05" from the tip, which allowed the screwdriver to seat better. I'll probably keep that screwdriver like that, in case this issue crops up again. Otherwise, I could return it to Sears for a new one. I don't think twice about modifying Craftsman tools!
DrPizza
Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Yeah, what he said! I have far more trouble with slotted than with phillips head... And, if you slip out of a phillips head, your bit/screwdriver generally is still on the screw... if you slip out of a flathead, you mar the surface.
Square drive, allen (hex) and torx are by far the best. Phillips are ubiquitous and are far superior to slotted.
I agree. Philips heads provide more contact area than slotted, but only if the right tool is used and the screw hasn't already been damaged.
Also cheap philips head screw drivers wear out quickly or are not properly shaped to begin with.
I prefer the Robertson screw over the Philip screw, because the Robertson fit more snug & IMHO the best for use with the power tool.
As for dry walling, I much prefer the Robertson over the Philip if I can get them. There are more Philip screw in the market, because it is an American design therefore it have a monopoly over the market compare to the better Robertson design.
And the worst design has to be the slot head that should be fade out due to the invention of the power drill/screwdriver.
History of Screw and Screwdrivers
By Roberson screw, do you mean square or hex drive? If so, hex drives are in very common use on high tech tools. That is all we have, with the occasional Phillips thrown in to keep you guessing. I am an L-wrench artist, and will bet Wingnut is also. The reason that hex drive does not reach the home user is expense, they tend to cost a bit more. But rest assured that they are very common in some circles.
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