Users' questions

When did square screws come out?

When did square screws come out?

1908
In 1908, square-drive screws were invented by Canadian P. L. Robertson (1879–1951), 28 years before Henry Phillips patented his Phillips head screws, which are also square-drive screws.

When was the screwdriver invented?

15th century
The earliest documented screwdrivers were used in the late Middle Ages. They were probably invented in the late 15th century, either in Germany or France. The tool’s original names in German and French were Schraubenzieher (screwtightener) and tournevis (turnscrew), respectively.

What type of screwdriver was invented by a Canadian?

Robertson Screwdriver – Best Screwdriver – Canadian Invention.

Why are Phillips screws still used?

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.

Is Torx better than Robertson?

The Torx are actually fractionally quicker to seat on the screw. This make sense when you consider that there are six points on a torx, versus four on a robertson. So there are more positions where the torx screwdriver will just slip into place. These GRK Torx bits cut very fast into the wood.

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.

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 are Phillips screws so popular?

The specific design of the head allowed the Phillips screw to handle greater torque much better than other fasteners. Moreover, because it provided a tighter fastening, they immediately found their place in assembly lines and it didn’t take long before these screws started being used for a variety of applications.

Why are Torx screws better?

By design, Torx head screws resist cam-out better than Phillips head or slot head screws. The Torx design allows for a higher torque to be exerted than a similarly sized conventional hex socket head without damaging the head and/or the tool.

How did Peter Robertson invent the 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 Robertson screw or Robertson head screw?

What 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. Up until that time, almost all screws were “straight drive” or “slot head” screws.

Who was the inventor of the square drive screw?

In 1908, square-drive screws were invented by Canadian P. L. Robertson. Twenty-eight years before Henry Phillips patented his Phillips head screws, which are also square-drive screws.The Robertson screw is considered the “first recess-drive type fastener practical for production usage.”.

When was the first type of screwdriver invented?

Handheld screwdrivers first appeared after 1800. Myriad types of screws have been invented to perform specific tasks. A cap screw has a convex head, usually hexagonal, designed to be driven by a spanner or wrench. The wood screw has a tapered shaft allowing it to penetrate the undrilled wood.