Robertson screwdrivers - idle curiosity

[RetiredAt63]

I was on an American website that sells spinning wheels, and they have a special screwdriver that "fits the special little screws (square head)" for a Canadian made wheel.  Obviously they are talking about a Robertson screwdriver, but they didn't even know the name for it!  In Canada Robertson screws and screwdrivers are just as popular and available as Phillips and slotted, since they have all the advantages of a Phillips head (no slipping) and are less likely to strip.

So I started wondering - what other countries use Robertsons, and who have never heard of them before this?  Satisfy my curiosity, please!

[Spork]

I've always just referred to them as "square head screws".  (USA)

I.e.: "Robertson" is totally a new term to me.

[zataks]

I heard Robertson once about 13 years ago (in Mexico!) but have not heard it since.  I think standard nomenclature in the USA would be "square-head". =p

[RetiredAt63]

Spork, zataks, do you own them? use them?

It is a shame (my opinion) that Mr. Philips is remembered but Mr. Robertson is not.  Two people who came up with replacements for slotted screws.  I don't like slotted screws, it is too easy for the screwdriver head to slip out and do damage.

[zataks]

I don't use them.  Unfortunately, the Phillips is so common in America and it's a sub-optimal design. 

There is a new screw coming to market (I think; I saw it in a Popular Science or something) that is 3 squares.  Each is smaller and set deeper than the previous one.  Don't know if their corners are in the same orientation or not though.  Not sure if that would be any better though.  Certainly better than Phillips.  Than Robertson?  Probably equivalent. 

[Spork]

I have used them... I have bits for them, but I don't honestly have dedicated hand held drivers.

I've bought the screws when I needed a long screw that needed to be driven without slipping.

I've also seen quite a few combo screws... where the screw head takes either square or philips head.   I.e: https://www.fastenal.com/web/products/details/0128419

[Russ]

Phillips is so common in America and it's a sub-optimal design. 

only if you like to overtorque your screws or use the incorrect driver

people like robertson/torx/allen/whatever screws and bots because you can overtorque them and the tool interface will take it. phillips is designed to cam out under too much torque and home mechanics and other gorillas tend to dislike anything that gets in the way of their big muscles.

[cowman]

a "true" Robertson is slightly tapered.In the States square screws have no taper.I believe some sort of patent dispute keeps Robertsons from being sold in the States.

[RetiredAt63]

Really?  That would explain why a US supplier sells special screwdrivers for the Canadian wheel, instead of just recommending a square head screwdriver.  I am off to look at mine and see how much taper they have.

a "true" Robertson is slightly tapered.In the States square screws have no taper.I believe some sort of patent dispute keeps Robertsons from being sold in the States.

[Elderwood17]

I hadn't heard of them before, and if they are different than a standard US square head screws than I was nagware of them!  Thanks for the info.

[TomTX]

I have square heads for my Kreg set. Dunno if they are true "Robertson" or not... :)

[devan 11]

  I had changed all my screws and drivers to Robertson/square bits. There is a distinct taper to the bits, that hold screws nicely.  Then the world changed to Torx.  Torx has more shearing hold, but for single workers or homeowners, don't hold screws on the bit as well in my experience.  Now I have both in my toolboxes.

[usmarine1975]

I only like the square heads for limited applications.  If slippage on a Philips is a problem its not the screw or its design.  I have had Philips bits break but only the cheap Home Depot ones.  The new star ones work OK but all these new designs is crazy a man has to carry a case full of different heads for his drill. Insane insane.

[Dicey]

I married DH because he can fix anything ;-). I just leaned over to ask him (his head is under the freezer drawer at the moment, trying to figure out where the water is coming from...). He says he has never heard of them. I suspect cowman hit the nail on the head.

[guitar_stitch]

only if you like to overtorque your screws or use the incorrect driver

people like robertson/torx/allen/whatever screws and bots because you can overtorque them and the tool interface will take it. phillips is designed to cam out under too much torque and home mechanics and other gorillas tend to dislike anything that gets in the way of their big muscles.

On tightening, sure.  However, I have more problem with removing aged/oxidized/rusted/seized philips than anything.  Much of my stuff is used, old, and has not seen the best care in a previous life.  Sometimes, I have to convert a Philips to a flathead using a dremel to replace it.