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 in Canada. Used mostly in construction and furniture. More positive than Phillips.

 

[Sixpactogo]

I hate to admit it but those JIS (Japanese Industry Standard) are much better than Phillips drivers. I broke down and bought a set a couple years ago and they don't eat up a screw like a stock Phillips does.

 

[Unkle Krusty]

The Japanese screws need a different screw driver. Better to remove the stubborn screws with an impact tool, and replace with Alan head screws. This fixes the problems on the bikes.
For all other work, use a Robertson head screw.
Phillips is the prettiest to look at.

 

[kiwigtx]

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

I use the square drives all the time....Philips screws are for the home handyman with only two screwdrivers in his arsenal..... rusty and blunt.

Note I said 'arsenal' ..... re-read that please.

I find that even the Pozi screws are not that good..... the best by far are square drive - or Robertson as they are known in Canada.

Slotted screws are reserved for Dinosaurs who can't handle change.

 

[Runcharger]

Weldem. cut a slot. 5 minutes usually.

 

[thehemikid]

.

 

[toolmanmike]

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.

Like previously mentioned, US and imported Phillips are different.