Favorite Square- Robbie Screwdriver

[mobiledynamics]

Just got me Felo's Squares in. Not a fan of the tip profile...
My cheap Maxtechs fit better than than the Felo's

What Robboe head screwdrivers yall like

 

[mobiledynamics]

The current kleins don't fit like their old ones...

 

[canuckian]

Have used Mastercraft robertsons from the 70's or 80's all my life. Can't kill em. Recently picked up a set of the snap on hard handle ones and they seem to be holding up quite well. Mostly use "the original robertson" and boomerang branded bits in an impact or cordless screwdriver these days though.

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

I usually use bits, but the Kobalt square drivers are excellent. I would like to try a Snap On though.

 

[rlitman]

I haven't found anything that fits as well as a real Robertson branded tip.
Those are never forged from a single piece, and only the "square" part is a hard steel (the shaft is something else).
Most of these I have in Vega brand handles.

The real ones have a taper in the end (just about every copy doesn't taper, so it doesn't fit as well). The Kobalt have a taper in the front half of the tip (unlike most, that just have a chamfer), so they're kind of ok.

 

[pipsters]

I have some Canadian Craftsman ones that work well.

 

[mobiledynamics]

What sorta of taper are we talking about.
That is my issue with the screwdriver.

Grated, I have tons of bits I've use to drive/unscrew and those work well...
All are flat on the head..

On the Felos, the 4 corners taper to a slight point.
I find that they just don't Seat into the screw as well as a flathead...

 

[lbgradwell]

I haven't found anything that fits as well as a real Robertson branded tip.
Those are never forged from a single piece, and only the "square" part is a hard steel (the shaft is something else).

This.

Even a quality German brand's "Square Drive" is not really a Robertson tip. The genuine Robertson tips (otherwise brand doesn't really matter and becomes a function of grip preference) are preferable to all pretenders. That's just a fact.

 

[Ratchet.]

i have some old German made Wera square drivers, but rarely ever come across Robertson screws, think I've used one once, seemed ok, i guess if i used the often id notice a difference.

i didn't realize that Robertson made there own drivers etc, though or that they were still around (just googled them) I know the story about the patent theft so its not really surprising thinking about it

If they get more common over here i might invest in some real Robertson ones, currently there only seemingly used as anti tamper screws, due to there rarity i guess


i know snap on has recently released a version the drivers (with the handles correctly colored for the different sizes) so maybe there gaining popularity outwith Canada?

 

[cotjocky]

Robertson screws are all through out mobile homes. I worked for a mobile home manufacturer for a couple years and every one in the plant and in service used bits in a screw gun (DeWalt).

I've turned thousands upon thousands of Robertson screws. The bits held up well. I just got them from the tool crib when I need some new ones. Never bothered to ask what brand or where they came from. Had them in 4-5 different lengths if memory serves.

As another poster stated, great for upside down work and a lot more friendly at any angle than phillips when speed is key.

Customers hated them because they never had a driver that fits!

I gave away several bits to customers that asked for one.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Where does one sell/buy a *roberston* branded screwdriver...

Packed up the Felo's and is going back.
Have Maxtechs and Kleins in my stash.
Just need a 3rd #2 and #3 square for the toolbag stash.

 

[canuckian]

Where does one sell/buy a *roberston* branded screwdriver...

.

My snappy guy sells them off the truck but I'm pretty sure lee valley tools sells them as well if you're in Canada (seem to remember reading somewhere that you were).

 

[lbgradwell]

Where does one sell/buy a *roberston* branded screwdriver...

Have Maxtechs and Kleins in my stash.

Your "cheap Maxtechs" are likely using genuine Robertson bits & that's why they work better...

Actual Robertson-branded screwdrivers are not widely distributed, but you can easily get screwdrivers with genuine Robertson tips.

If you insist on Robertson brand drivers, you can order them here.

Megapro recently introduced a Robertson-licensed version of their multi-tip driver. Another option...

 

[mobiledynamics]

Interesting read.....

I'll need to hit up my other electrical supply shop. Klein had decent squares. Their screwdrivers def. **** these days. They redesigned squares **** more. I recall them having a *newer improved* squarie as well...

 

[jvitez]

Fuller Pro 300. Made in Canada. Genuine Phillips tips and Robertson tips. They were my go-to screwdriver. I really like the fluted handle. Then I joined GJ!

After joining, I discovered a whole new world of amazing screwdrivers. Way cool! I had to try something other than my boring old usual. So I now have Wera, Wiha, JH Williams, Mac, SK (both US made Suregrip and French SK), Wilde, Grace, PB Swiss, and various sizes of Picquic. My favorite "square drive" tip? Fuller Pro 300 genuine Roberston. My top 3 handles? PB Swiss Swissgrip, Williams (Snap on) black handle, Fuller Pro 300. I'm back home again.

They're remarkably cheap for Made In Canada/Genuine Roberston quality. The handles can take a real beating. I love the fluted shape, as I can really torque down on it without a death grip as other smooth/slippery handles require. We can get Fuller screwdrivers in Canada at Home Depot and Rona (Canuck Lowe's equiv). For my American colleagues, you can get them here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BDIRV0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Here is their catalogue:

http://www.fullertool.com/images/pdf_eng/Fastening_E_L.pdf

 

[garboui]

+1 for the Fullers. The handles take a beating. Sometimes I find the handles could stand to be slightly larger in diameter but the overall tip fit blows anything Mastercrap out of the water. I cant even count the times ive thrown a mastercrap (post red handle) across the shop right before seeking out the fullers. Tip life on them seems to be reasonable on the fullers too (all drives) which makes them a pretty awesome deal too!

 

[Thorold]

Lee Valley Tools has / had the bits.

To be honest they didn't hold up as well as some i have bought at the lumber yard.

www.leevalley.com/