Philips screwdriver problems
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 535
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From: Quebec, Canada
Philips screwdriver problems
Do you find, like me, that Philips screwdrivers cam out a lot, especially #s 0, 1 and 2. The screwdiver tip comes to a point, but so often the star hole on the screw-head doesn't. In fact the wretched hole is rounded at the bottom and the screwdriver can't go all the way in, so the wings don't engage properly. I'm thinking of grinding the pointy tips off my Philips screwdrivers to get around the problem. The bigger screwdrivers are O.K. because the tip is flat. What's your experience?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,700
Likes: 899
From: Warminster PA
Do you find, like me, that Philips screwdrivers cam out a lot, especially #s 0, 1 and 2. The screwdriver tip comes to a point, but so often the star hole on the screw-head doesn't. In fact the wretched hole is rounded at the bottom and the screwdriver can't go all the way in, so the wings don't engage properly. I'm thinking of grinding the pointy tips off my Philips screwdrivers to get around the problem. The bigger screwdrivers are O.K. because the tip is flat. What's your experience?
I have used Snap On screwdrivers for years without issue. I also have a couple pozi drive in the mix but find that the SO ones usually work just fine.
Keep in mind as well, that the tips do wear out over time which will lead to them torquing out and buggering the screw head.
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Michael S. Palmer
Pro
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Strongsville, Ohio
Use a high quality machined tip (not forged tip) screwdriver for the screws that give you trouble. Milwaukee makes a nice set on Ebay with really nice tips.
Good Luck!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/20410688789...ampid%3APL_CLK
Good Luck!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/20410688789...ampid%3APL_CLK
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 535
Likes: 262
From: Quebec, Canada
Thank-you for all the feedback. A couple of minutes with a file and all my Phillips screwdrivers are now Posidrive. However, I will order myself a set of the Milwaukee screwdrivers you recommend.
Many thanks
Many thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,340
Likes: 2,272
From: Central Maryland
There are multiple cruciform screw drive types, and each of them are best driven using the correct driver. Phillips, Reed & Prince, Pozidriv, JIS B, Phillips 2, and others. Using the incorrect driver will sometimes get it done, but is more likely to cause cam-out and damage to the fastener and the tool.
Live well,
SJW
Live well,
SJW
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 535
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From: Quebec, Canada
I agree. It really is complicated and it doesn't need to be. In Canada, Robertson is pretty much universal and it's a great system. Not only does the screwdriver always fit properly and rarely cams out, if the screw head is clean, but you can fit the screw on the screwdriver and it stays there so you can install the screw with one hand This is great for installation in narrow or recessed places, and the other hand's free to hold a flashlight.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
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I use a gunsmith set of bits and screwdrivers for a lot of my work. They grip better and are less likely to strip out a screw head.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Norcal CA
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
Sometimes, I use a wheeler screwdriver set used for gunsmithing that has various tips because those will bite better than any craftsman wrenches. I guess that is something to consider too is take all of the old craftsman and replace the ones thats are messed up.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,356
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From: Norcal CA
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,356
Likes: 870
From: Norcal CA
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,356
Likes: 870
From: Norcal CA
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
I can tell you with two gearhead son's the worst part is getting ready to use a tool and not able to find it in the correct spot. For instance, I was ready to assemble my motor when I went to look for the torque wrench. Nope not there. My son had it in his car for some reason. Next thing, I went to look for my MAC tools thread chaser set. Nope not there, it was in the trunk of my son's car. Maybe some day the garage will be all mine once more. Maybe.... Talk about failure to launch. When are the kids supposed to leave?
Last edited by jimh_1962; Feb 26, 2025 at 03:43 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2022
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From: Eastern MA
There are multiple cruciform screw drive types, and each of them are best driven using the correct driver. Phillips, Reed & Prince, Pozidriv, JIS B, Phillips 2, and others. Using the incorrect driver will sometimes get it done, but is more likely to cause cam-out and damage to the fastener and the tool.
Live well,
SJW
Live well,
SJW
This is wise