screwdrivers

[Toyboy]

I've got a bunch of them too. I try to focus on Craftsman so when it gets messed up I return to Sears for a replacement. I don't keep messed up screwdrivers around, it just makes the job harder.

 

[k0ua]

I was thinking of asking a question, then I thought you'd answered it for me. However, since I see you're also Canadian, my question is still valid.

For our friends from the US, is it true you folks refer to screwdriver with a square bit as a "square drive" instead of a "Robertson"?

It's always mystified me as to why such a situation would exist.. I think the design came from a Canadian named Robertson, but I haven't actually done the research to investigate my theory.

I'm also assuming the "Philips" head was designed by some sadistic SOB named Philips.

Every time I go to remove a rusted screw one look at a Philips or slotted head has me swearing, while a Robertson (square drive maybe?) has me saying, "Well, it'll either come out or break.."

Sean

While I have heard the term Robertson, I have not equated it to square drive.. I have always called them square drive.. Now you gotta remember the US is very diverse. and what us southern boys call something is maybe not what a proper yankee would call it. We have a lot of regional names for things, which can result in a lot of confusion. Yes the square drive is a pretty good design. Thank you Mr. Robertson.:thumbsup:

James K0UA

 

[Wnc3]

I think Phillips and straight slotted screws ought to be outlawed in favor of torx and square drive.

If I never saw a slotted screw again it would be too soon...
Totally agree.

 

[5030]

:ashamed:

Gosh, 5030, that seems a bit harsh. I've actually never used a screwdriver as a pry and I've never bent one. I've acquired them that way from other people.

I have good screwdrivers, I just have a lot of others too. This post was intended as humor. I do know how to properly use and take care of my tools.

Cliff

So do I, especially if from Harbor Freight or Wal-Mart...

Use 'em as pry bars...............

I believe we should further this discussion to include such tools as the lowly 'Crescent Wrench' aka: adjustable wrench or spanner and of course the maligned hammer.........:laughing:

Then there is the do all purpose 'Vice Grips' that mung up everything they come in contact with, closely followed by the Crescent Wtench for rounding off perfectly good flats on nuts and bolts........:thumbsup:

After the flats are all munged up, there is no choice but to use a hammer and chisel to remove the bolt or nut. Problem is, are you using a claw hammer (as in woodworking) or a ball-pien or drilling hammer (as in mechanics tools). Hammers are pretty generic it appears to me.....

Just ask your wife for a hammer and see what you get..........

 

[5030]

...There is that little used tool that Harbor Freight and others sell that allows you to use a normal 'Phillips or Reed and Prince screwdriver bit in a JIS slotted screw to remove it (and reinstall it), thought it won't be pretty anymore and that is those nifty little hand impact drivers that you strike with a hammer, again of your choice.... and vice versa...

You 'beat' the screw out, or in, depending on mood and requirement.

I guarantee them to remove any cross slotted screw of any make with any cross slotted bit, at the expense of making it ugly.

 

[BobRip]

Is that all the screw drivers you have? You do have a problem then. :laughing:

 

[SPIKER]

Boy there are a lot of people here that have PROBLEMS and I think people here need to ADMIT they have PROBLEMS. TAA (Tool Abuse Anonymous) please look for a local chapter as you have ISSUES and ADMITTING it is the first step! I know as I have CHITs from being member and founding father of TAA Ohio Chapter 76. I too still have drawers of bent twisted off ground down screw drivers and before you know it you are moving onto heavier abuse of tools you are bending wrenches so you can get onto a bolt that nothing will fit just right all of a sudden your in the gutter under a car somewhere wearing nothing more than flip flops and greasy tanks top & shorts... please dont let your friends become TAA fodder!

Mark and yes I have a problem


...

 

[DKCDKC]

I have had several near male relatives pass on in recent years who have left me their various screwdriver-rich tool resources. I doubt I'll ever buy another. I've given some to offspring, but there's a limit to what they'll accept. I have a box of assorted in the house, another in the garage and a third in the workshop. I have also found it most useful to have a modest tool kit in each car/truck. I've never broken down, but I go places - offspring mostly - where there is frequently something to fix.

What would really do it for me would be a new drill press. But I'll have to wait until a task emerges that requires it.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I was thinking of asking a question, then I thought you'd answered it for me. However, since I see you're also Canadian, my question is still valid.

For our friends from the US, is it true you folks refer to screwdriver with a square bit as a "square drive" instead of a "Robertson"?

It's always mystified me as to why such a situation would exist.. I think the design came from a Canadian named Robertson, but I haven't actually done the research to investigate my theory.

I'm also assuming the "Philips" head was designed by some sadistic SOB named Philips.

Every time I go to remove a rusted screw one look at a Philips or slotted head has me swearing, while a Robertson (square drive maybe?) has me saying, "Well, it'll either come out or break.."

Sean

Well, we would not want to give you Canadian's credit for something useful now would we?

Just kidding, I believe you are correct on both the Robertson and the sadist Phillips.

 

[Tollster]

I used to color code my wrenches and sockets when i raced dirt bikes for faster pit adjustments,I recon you could put some red electrical tape on the shaft near the handle on all your phillips,and your problem would be solved...providing you have enough tape.