The Robertson Screwdriver: Where did it come from Video

[tremek]

The Robertson Screwdriver: Where did it come from?
After he was injured using a conventional flathead screwdriver, frustrated tool salesman Peter Robertson took matters in his own hands. Learn more about his Stuff of Genius in this episode.

 

[ckblum]

I always thought that was kinda funny how the Robertson didn't take off. I know there's some history between Ford and Phillips and Robertson, can't remember right now but I'm sure people can Google it.

One thing about the Phillips is that it is designed to "Cam out" so as not to over torque screws. The problem is all the bits and drivers have constantly been trying to "improve" on the anti-cam out. When you torque down hard it actually damages the head, hence the unreliability of the Phillips

 

[jakemac]

In the late 70's/early 80's, we just called Robertson head screws "Canadian Screws". I remember having to cross the border to pick up a driver so that we could repair a patio glider that my uncle was importing for sale.

 

[rice rocket]

I wish Robertson would die. It's so lowly penetrated and just adds headaches when I have to deal with them.

Torx all the way.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I know that they are used a lot in R.V.s and boats.

 

[bmw57isetta]

As far as a little history goes, Canadian-built Model A Fords, particularly the wood infrastructure of the interiors, were all assembled with Robertson screws. As the story goes, Henry Ford went to Robertson and offered to buy his company. His offer was a low-ball insult to Robertson who effectively told Ford to take a hike.

Phillips were around in the early '20's but not widely used in the US until the mid/late '30's if everything I read on the Internet is true.

 

[Zeke]

Square drive works good for me but I agree there's not much to improve on beyond the torx. AFA construction and deck screws go I now only buy only torx. I've learned to hate phillips. I'd rather use a slotted screw.

 

[f150skidoo]

Robertson is the only screw i use. When i ever i buy anything that provides screws for mounting i throw the ****** philips in the garbage and grab some red on green robbies.

 

[Ad13]

Torx>Robertson>>>Slotted>Phillips

 

[MikeF2316]

I wish Robertson would die. It's so lowly penetrated and just adds headaches when I have to deal with them.

Torx all the way.

It isn't going to happen any time soon. At least not in Canada. Visit any Home Depot or any other hardware or big box store and you'll see why I say that.

 

[MaineGuide]

I prefer Torx but for a lot of smaller wood screws (4-6) there aren't many options so I will try to go with Robertson for those. My dad bought a bunch from McFeely's so I still have a bunch of stock kicking around.

 

[lilredex]

Those combo heads are an attempt to satisfy both Canadian and U.S. markets. Many imported products have them, but square drive screw drivers do a half assed job because they are not Robertsons. Robertsons have a taper as noted above. I have no problem with them....much better than finding those F'n Phillips all over ever thing.

http://www.robertsonscrew.com/history.html

 

[redwrench60]

Pardon my ignorance but what is the difference between Robertson and Scrulox? Or are they the same thing?

 

[Ign]

Low market penetration = Fastenmaster's spider drive. At least a P3 kinda works. But then all of my composite decking screws are Fastenmaster Robertsons. They drive in beautifully.

 

[Tucko]

Funny this topic came up. Last night I finished this great book https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Good_Turn_(book)