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.

 

[LBrown59]

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


Totally agree.

My favorite screw is those that take a common metric or sae socket.
My second choice would be square drive or torx.

 

[zzvyb6]

I also have noticed a problem grabbing the wrong type from my screwdriver drawer even though I try to keep each type on it's own side. Problem is, I can't remember which side is which. So, I solved the problem by talking to myself on the way to my toolboxes: If I really need a flathead, I say that I need a phillips. Need a phillips? Ask myself for a flathead. Works about 80% of the time. I feel a lot better. There are a lot of screws out now that are both types. That takes care of the other 20% of my mistakes...

 

[Oaktree]

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

Clearly you've never remodeled an old house. It's hard enough getting screws out of old hinges that have 42 coats of paint on them when they're slotted...I shudder at the joy I'd experience trying to get a similarly clogged torx out.

Years ago I made a brake adjusting tool by heating & bending an old slotted screwdriver. Still have it...get the strangest looks when someone sees it.

 

[65fl]

Now we have to move on to Adjustable wrenches. :thumbsup::thumbsup::laughing::laughing:

I've been saving up for this metric adjustable wrench ...
Amazon.com: Irwin Industrial Tools 2078611 12-Inch Metric Quick Adjusting Wrench: Power & Hand Tools

 

[bironacad]

The first step is acknowledging you have a problem..

three A's to recovery

Aware of the problem
Acceptance of the problem
Action on the problem

Now how do I know that:laughing::thumbsup:

 

[5030]

I've been saving up for this metric adjustable wrench ...
Amazon.com: Irwin Industrial Tools 2078611 12-Inch Metric Quick Adjusting Wrench: Power & Hand Tools

Talk about gullible... The reviewers all gave it 5 stars.

I need to grab some ch-com adjustable wrenches from HF and rebadge them metric... because they are.....:laughing:

..............and inflate the price accordingly.

 

[RobertN]

Left Handed Metric Screwdriver - $12.99 : KaleCoAuto, Hard to find automotive items!

I've been saving up for this metric adjustable wrench ...
Amazon.com: Irwin Industrial Tools 2078611 12-Inch Metric Quick Adjusting Wrench: Power & Hand Tools

 

[bironacad]

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

Everyone can be grumpy from time to time probably reminded 5030 that he has his tools in a variety of locations and needs to do some sorting too, . I bought two big rolling tool kits for just that deal and have yet to put the handles on the kits, oh well I can change, if I have too, I guess.:thumbsup:Just not today.

 

[k0ua]

Talk about gullible... The reviewers all gave it 5 stars.

I need to grab some ch-com adjustable wrenches from HF and rebadge them metric... because they are.....:laughing:

..............and inflate the price accordingly.

Well.... you'all did not read the fine print...that there wrench, is sort of metric for real. It has 37 "ridges" in the mechanism that stop on 1 MM increments. and it is "quick set" to one of those 37 stops.. It is NOT infinately adjustable like an ordinary SAE/Metric cresent wrench. I am guessing that a lot of those "stops" would fit a lot of SAE nuts, but you cannot be sure to have a precise fit on all.. Another thing is those "stops" would be real prone to wear in my estimation, making that wrench a piece of junk real fast.. Which it is in the package if you were to ask me..

James K0UA

 

[bironacad]

While I have heard the term Robertson, Yes the square drive is a pretty good design. Thank you Mr. Robertson.:thumbsup:

James K0UA

Yes I have been known to teach the evolution of drivers to youngins.

Note how the Robertson, eh, Canadian design is further up the evolutionary chain then the American Phillips :laughing: but once again the Germans have to one up everyone with the torque drive.:laughing: