Why Phillips screws were designed to strip.

[themechanic]

 

[Davefinan]

Interesting. I’ve noticed that some Phillips head screws handle the torque way better than others I always figured the the El Strippos were from China.

 

[68 Sport Satellite]

Wow, never knew that. Everyone should watch the video to the end. The rubber band stripped screw removal trick is great - thanks for that!

 

[YY1]

Heads can have slightly different slot profiles.

Some are dual head pattern with both Phillips and square. The Phillips contact area is weak on those.

Reed and Prince (competitor to Phillips), some out there and some later made to specs "they found somewhere" which are actually R&P.
I've received cheap tool kits as gifts that came with an R&P driver instead of a Phillips.

JIS (Japan Industrial Standard) common in electronics. Not quite Phillips, and Phillis driver won't bite well.

Drivers/bits have different profiles.
I've found a few that work noticeably better than others.

 

[b-body-bob]

The rubber band stripped screw removal trick is great - thanks for that!

I use valve grinding compound.

 

[Dave6T4]

We have square drive Robertson screws here inCanada. Used mostly in construction and furniture. More positive than Phillips.