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Why was the Phillips head screw invented?
In the early 1930s, the Phillips head screw was invented by Oregon businessman Henry Phillips (1889–1958). They needed screws that could take greater torque and could provide tighter fastenings. The Phillips head screw was compatible with the automated screwdrivers used in an assembly line.
Why do we have Phillips and flat head screws?
The reason for the different styles is cost and torque. Phillips screws are self-centering, making powered screwdrivers possible. They’re somewhat more expensive to produce than slotted-head. They tend to ‘cam-out’ easily under torque, making it hard to apply much torque.
What is the advantage of a Phillips head screw?
One of the main advantages of the Phillips system is that the screw and screwdriver together are self-centering. The x-shape of the screwdriver head fits into the similarly shaped slot of the screw and is held in place so the force of the torque is naturally centered, ensuring that the screw is driven straight.
When did Phillips head screws become common?
By 1936 the screw was available to consumers, and the first industrial customer was General Motors, which used Phillips screws to build Cadillac automobiles in 1937. Soon after, it was adopted by the railroad and aviation industries.
Is Phillips better than Robertson?
The Robertson square-head screw and screwdriver were invented in 1908 by Peter L. This design makes a Robertson screwdriver less susceptible to cam-out than a Phillips driver because the driver bit inserts deeper into the screw head. Like a Phillips screwdriver, the Robertson driver is self-centering.
Why do people still use flat head screws?
The slotted head screw (commonly but incorrectly called a flat head) is the oldest type of screw in use today. Now, they are mostly used for decorative purposes and have less “impact”. Many people think they are used on light switch covers still for this reason.
Why do you need a Phillips head screwdriver?
Unfortunately, slotted head screws aren’t very useful when it comes to electric screwdrivers. With so much power, the screwdriver slips right out. Henry F. Phillips patented the Phillips head screw, which self-centers the screwdriver, making it easier to effectively place the screw quickly.
Why are there so many different types of screw heads?
Henry F. Phillips patented the Phillips head screw, which self-centers the screwdriver, making it easier to effectively place the screw quickly. This screw head type is arguably the most commonly found in nearly any application. Not only do electric screwdrivers speed up the process, they also help ensure the screw is straight.
Why are there different types of Phillips screws?
The recessed slot was shallow enough, though, that the driver did pop out when the screw was fully tightened, which prevented over-torquing and damage to the screw, the driver and the product being assembled. The American Screw Company began mass-producing Phillips’ design.
Which is better Robertson or Phillips screw heads?
For example, the Robertson screw drive is much more resistant to slipping, which is a serious issue with slotted head screws. They are also much less likely to strip, which is a problem for Phillips screw drives. There are so many screw head types that we could spend all day talking about them.