Robertson Screwdrivers??????

[Canadian Charlie]

Just wondering if they are still being produced? I still have a few that I bought in Canada and find them better that the straight edge or philips. You can't beat the grip on the screw head.

 

[James_B]

It's hard to buy screws in Canada that aren't Robinson (or just plain square drive to avoid paying the licensing fees).

 

[yowzer]

I have a Klein one. Plenty of other companies make them too.

 

[garboui]

Fuller pro line as some very nice fitting bits.

IIRC (someone please correct me if m wrong) but Fuller uses proprietary genuine Robertson inserts in their drivers.

 

[gaffobohs]

Oh yeah you'll get a robertson #2 in most sets. Majority of screws we have at our shop are robertson so I use mine lots!

 

[bob15]

Here is a set (might not be the cheapest out there.....):

https://www.mcfeelys.com/product.aspx?id=24545

or

http://store.snapon.com/Square-Tip-Screwdrivers-Set-Screwdriver-Square-Drive-4-pcs-0-1-2-3--P737759.aspx

 

[Beaumont67]

The Electripro multi bit screwdriver is my goto one, ~$20 and the tough bits, do stand up.
https://west.westburne.ca/productAttributesTabPage.action?staticPageName=ProductTabPage

EPO MEGA PRO MULTI BIT SCREW DRIVER - Product Code: EPOMEGAPRO, Mfr No. MEGAPRO
- MULTI-BIT SCREWDRIVER 15 in 1; MEGAPRO; ElectriPro; CSA/UL APPROVED; EACH; 1; "CONTAINS 14 MOST POPULAR SCREWDRIVER TIPS INCLUDING ROBERTSON, SLOT, PHILLIPS & TORX & END of SHAFT is a 1/4 In. HEX NUT DRIVER"

 

[2drx4]

DeWalt makes some excellent bits for use in a screwgun/drill. I treat myself to a new container of them every year.

These:
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/dewalt-2-inches-2-square-power-bit-10-pack/983389

They're an excellent screw design for construction. It makes one abhor phillips.

 

[James_B]

If they're licenced/genuine Robertson, they are a 2 piece bit with the square section and the shaft made from separate pieces of metal.

 

[timbitca]

This came up last year or the year before and I said the same I'll repeat here.

I detest flat head and philips screw (even though my name is Philippe)

I will not build anything out of wood with something other than Robertson/Square screws.

 

[kiatech]

I have both wiha and witte and cman.

 

[Zedexseven]

Snap on also now makes a set.

 

[Alex in Canada]

Can't go wrong with Canadian made Fuller screw drivers, especially the acetate handle ones, if that's what you like

 

[Hammell]

Canadian invention, since 1908, very common here in the great white north

 

[nicksnothereman]

Robertson makes sense if rust is an issue kind of like using an oversized tool in a rusted out torx or hex and kind of hammering it in to get it out. I would think.

I'm not sure who sells robertson drivers at retail in the us. I think husky sold one maybe craftsman. The bits are more widely available though. I don't recall ever seeing a fastener, I'm sure they sell them though probably in a dual roberston/phillips format (I recall seeing those as deck screws).

 

[Canadian Charlie]

Here are my Robertson screwdrivers that I bought from Canadian Tire back in the 80's. Where I live Robertson screws do not exist, pity

In my opinion they have the best bite on screws

 

[Notgrownup]

When I worked for Crouse Hinds Arrow Hart , we had a program called "Be a safe driver" Arrow Hart only used Robbie's on the devices thus was 25 years ago....I have several Robbie's ...

 

[jdm5]

Any suggestions for sources for bulk Robertson / square drive fasteners in the US?

 

[James_B]

I like a hard acetate handle screwdriver, so in a Robertson that usually means a Fuller (listed on the Canadian Tire web site as a Mastercraft Maximum but still branded as a Fuller).

The standard soft handle Robertsons that come in this Mastercraft Maximum set is my next choice, but the Robertsons in any of the other Mastercraft Maximum or Mastercraft sets are fine.

If I want brute force on a square drive, then my weapon of choice are the #2 and #3 square drives that come in this set. Mastercraft Maximum 8 piece Diamond Driver. Full length hex profile S2 shaft, with diamond coated cold forged tips. As the square drive tips are part of the shaft, I suspect they are "Square Drive" and not a licenced Robertson. If they'd just put a better handle on them, they'd be perfect. Normally the set goes on sale at $19.99

 

[alinc100]

Any suggestions for sources for bulk Robertson / square drive fasteners in the US?

Mc Feely's

https://www.mcfeelys.com/index.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/index.aspx

Just wondering if they are still being produced? I still have a few that I bought in Canada and find them better that the straight edge or philips. You can't beat the grip on the screw head.

http://www.leevalley.com/US/Wood/page.aspx?p=32208&cat=1,43411,43417&ap=1

 

[lilredex]

PAL also carries Robertsons by Fuller.

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/...n-Genuine-Robertson-Tip-Screwdriver/8307423.p

 

[ecotec]

I have the Wera #2 & #1 now and have had a Klein #2 in the past (it grew legs on a job). I do not think either brand is licensed Robertson.

 

[ctb]

No surprise, I've got the same problem as you. Hell, I've even got the same Canadian Tire stubbies as you, along with a regular length set and a craftsman set.

All kitted out and nothing to use them on over here. Damn shame since the robertson head is way better than the pozi phillips or whatever the hell they're called here.

I did however bring some boxes of robertson wood screws over with me, but anything over an inch has been used up. You think robertsons are rare in the States, here in Europe they've never even seen them before.

 

[Matt_C]

Gotta agree with ctb - I don't recall ever coming across one- either a screw or a driver - and only knew they existed from this forum!

 

[timbitca]

Here are my Robertson screwdrivers that I bought from Canadian Tire back in the 80's. Where I live Robertson screws do not exist, pity

In my opinion they have the best bite on screws

I LOVE those old Fuller hard handles. They are definitely a staple in Canada, seems like every house has 1 or 2 laying around, but never a full set. I wish I could have a full set of them. They seem like they'll last forever and I like their fit.

PAL doesn't sell a full set, and last I was in there most of stock wasn't even marked Canada anymore. And CT doesn't sell a set of the acetate handled Maximums, only the 51-piece set of the rubber hard handle Maximum's.

 

[metaldad]

I LOVE those old Fuller hard handles. They are definitely a staple in Canada, seems like every house has 1 or 2 laying around, but never a full set. I wish I could have a full set of them. They seem like they'll last forever and I like their fit.

full set of kanadien on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fuller-Tool...S_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item51bf7ba5e5

 

[flylow7f39]

full set of kanadien on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fuller-Tool...S_Srewdrivers_Nut_Drivers&hash=item51bf7ba5e5

eBay is usually higher than other etailers like Amazon...

$31.13 on eBay...

Canada $26.53 & FREE Shipping www.amazon.ca/Fuller-Tool-101-6017-17-piece-Screwdriver/dp/B000GB0B8Y

US $21.58 Free prime or FREE Shipping on orders over $35 www.amazon.com/Fuller-Tool-101-6017-17-piece-Screwdriver/dp/B000GB0B8Y/

Search on Amazon for robertson screwdrivers turns up BAHCO, Klein, TEKTON, Wiha and other brands.

 

[kiatech]

You can find a few Robertson screws in electrical installation, but that's about it.

 

[SportFury59]

Are we talking about the same screws? Square drive?
Kreg Jig pocket hole jigs use nothing but Robertson screws and drivers. Their screws are so nice that I use them in other projects not involving pocket holes. They come in lengths from 3/4" to 2 1/2". Coarse thread or fine thread. 2 1/2" even has a heavy duty screw.
And they make a 2" for concealed decking application that takes a #1 driver.
In addition to Kreg screws, Menards has tons of square drive screws for general purpose use.

The other day at Menards, I picked up some 3" "flush mount" Robertson screws. They have a large 1/2" head, ideal for installing cabinets and other stuff.

What I'm having trouble finding is a stubby #2 driver. They're probably available on-line but I'm trying to find one locally.

 

[jptbay]

You can currently buy a beautiful set, directly from the renowned Canadian tool company Gray Tools.

They just recently launched online purchasing of items listed in their quarterly promo flyers.

http://shopgraytools.com/products/4-piece-heavy-duty-comfort-grip-screwdriver-set 4 piece set, on sale $28.95.

By the way, the torx driver set is on sale too at $44.95, and they look great as well. http://shopgraytools.com/products/7-piece-heavy-duty-comfort-grip-torx-screwdriver-set

 

[wafrederick]

The older Fords had them.Then the inventor and Henry Ford got into it.Henry Ford wanted to buy the rights from the inventor and he said no.I like them over the phillips screws.The combo drive deck screws use a #2 robertson bit.

 

[uart]

Where I live Robertson screws do not exist, pity

All kitted out and nothing to use them on over here. Damn shame since the robertson head is way better than the pozi phillips or whatever the hell they're called here.

Gotta agree with ctb - I don't recall ever coming across one- either a screw or a driver - and only knew they existed from this forum!

Yeah I know how you guys feel, they're fairly rarely seen here in Australia too. It seems that the further away from Canada you're located, the less likely that you're going to see Robinson drivers and fasteners in action.

I know that Posidriv is pretty common in much of Europe. Phillips and Allen (hex key) seem to be the most common (recessed head) fastener types here in Australia. Though square (Robinson) types aren't all that common here, there's certainly some decking guys that are wise to them. Look around at a few decks and you sure to see them used here and there.

Actually I was looking along the shelves of a large local hardware store fairly recently, trying to access the relative availability of the various types around here. There was literally shelf after shelf of cross head screws. Mostly Phillips by far, but a little bit of Posidriv also in the mix.

For recessed types other cross, hex (Allen) key was by far the most prevalent. Again there was shelf after shelf of those for decking screw etc. Apart from hex there was also a limited amount of Torx and a *very* limited amount of square (Robertson) types.

I also noticed that these square fasteners mostly had a price premium of a few extra dollars per pack compared the more common Phillips and Hex types, though that's probably more due to local sales volumes than anything else. Anyway, I picked up a little 50 pack of 75mm (3") #2 square for some decking repairs I needed to do. So this will actually be the very first time I've ever used these things.

 

[MJB24]

I just ordered these for $5

It's only a #1 and a #3. Luckily I'm not OCD so any #2 can fill in my set.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Sktools/SKSQR.html

 

[Alex in Canada]

Home Depot in Canada also carries Fuller sets
Pro 300 (Acetate Handles):
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/screwdriver-set-15-piece/996862

Golden Grip:
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/6-pc-golden-grip-screwdriver-set/944758

 

[pl_silverado]

Snap-on has them too.

SDDR40


http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=737760&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[timbitca]

Home Depot in Canada also carries Fuller sets
Pro 300 (Acetate Handles):
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/screwdriver-set-15-piece/996862

Golden Grip:
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/6-pc-golden-grip-screwdriver-set/944758

Ooh. I think I'm going to grab that 15-piece set if it ever comes on sale. Thanks for the link.

 

[garboui]

Rona also carries Fuller sets.

One note with the Mastercraft branded drivers (standard, maximum etc) my experience is that all the newer soft handles stuff fits like **** and will cam out easily. The old red handles maximums are good tho. I still advocate ignoring this and go Fuller anyways!!

 

[MikeF2316]

Here's most of my collection. Interestingly, the only #3 I own is part of a Snap-on lookalike set I bought back in the late '80s.
99% of the screws are #1 or #2 that I encounter. I find myself grabbing the Weras first now. Previously I liked the pale red one for #2 and the Fuller for #1.

 

[Alex in Canada]

Rona also carries Fuller sets.

One note with the Mastercraft branded drivers (standard, maximum etc) my experience is that all the newer soft handles stuff fits like **** and will cam out easily. The old red handles maximums are good tho. I still advocate ignoring this and go Fuller anyways!!

Does Rona carry sets?

Also, Mastercraft has these great "diamond drivers" that are really big beefy screwdrivers, with a full tang and a striking cap on the end. I have them and they're great!

Here's a link:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/tools...gsAndReviews&utm_content=Default#.U7dbe7HYNSo

They often go on sale for $20, like everything at CT

 

[timbitca]

I don't think I own a #3 either. All the more reason to buy one.

Didn't own a #0 until I had to remove the screens from the windows a couple years ago and thats what held the little clips. Didn't even know they existed until then.

A buddy of mine bought the 51-piece Mastercraft Maximum on sale for 20$ the other day. Seems nice enough for that price but I'd still prefer "real" hard handles and would never pay the 50$ they want for it retail.