The first time I worked on a jobsite where they used robertson screws I felt like I had discovered the wheel. They're so much better it's incredible that we still use phillips at all.
@rajeshkanungo66273 жыл бұрын
Yup. I used a few and then bought a huge batch of machine and woodworking screws along with boxes to keep them. That was when I owned a house. Now I am downsized to a condo and don't do as much work around the house.
@matthewwilliams65963 жыл бұрын
Philips are made to cam out after so much torque to prevent damage to the screws strength.
@rajeshkanungo66273 жыл бұрын
@@matthewwilliams6596 I agree. The problem I have is the screws have to match the max torque and the material that it is being screwed into. Just recently I was trying to reuse brass screws after readjusting a door. Quick cam outs on all of them ... Also driving general purpose screws into 100 year old walnut didn’t work either. The square drives give you more margins. However in the case of walnut I also got broken screws. And a burnt out Dewalt.
@TyJohnson3 жыл бұрын
shit we still use flathead screws lol
@matthewwilliams65963 жыл бұрын
@@rajeshkanungo6627 yeah, they can be a pain in the ass
@HMV1014 жыл бұрын
I would never have imagined that a lecture wholly on screws could become wholly riveting.
@greatnortherntroll68414 жыл бұрын
I see what you did there... Ha!
@nathanshinder53144 жыл бұрын
Nailed it!
@HMV1014 жыл бұрын
@@greatnortherntroll6841 Wow! You were very quick to fasten on🛠😜.
@HMV1014 жыл бұрын
@Don Rit Most consider Phillips a-head; at least a bit.
@ONECOUNT4 жыл бұрын
There's a twist in that.
@JC-cm9bn Жыл бұрын
Being an American who has used both, Robertson is preferred. Thank you Canada for a great invention! 🇨🇦
@adamkluckner3429 Жыл бұрын
I've heard from the older generations that Phillips was designed to slip at a certain point so as to save the threads from stripping out.. this could be true or it could be men defending the tools they used who's to say
@mgelliott86 Жыл бұрын
@@adamkluckner3429Designed obsolescence started there lol
@adamkluckner3429 Жыл бұрын
@@Karen_Karenson learn to read first Karen
@mgelliott86 Жыл бұрын
@@Karen_Karenson they're not saying Robertson is American, they're say they, the poster, is American
@richardbrobeck238411 ай бұрын
Same here !
@TacoTeaser Жыл бұрын
The Robertson and the Torx screw are the only screw heads in my shop. I will use a straight head on occasion but only for nostalgic design of the work project. Thank you for a great video. Keep up the great work
@mikeking7470 Жыл бұрын
I have coffee cans of the old flat head screws I keep around just for restoring old work, for everything else it's Robertson/Kreg or Torx. Thous I have run into a few lag screws with odd star drive heads.
@Peje1953 Жыл бұрын
The same discussion can be starten about the metric or imperial system. Metric ofcourse is superior but the US still is stickie to the inferiour
@susangunn35814 жыл бұрын
As a Canadian, this little piece of our history has been left mostly in the tool box. Thanks for bringing it to light.
@SuperBobblehead774 жыл бұрын
Susan Gunn I’m from the U.S I love the Robertson screws. We do sell them here but for limited purposes.
@susangunn35814 жыл бұрын
@@SuperBobblehead77 Dear Caleb; You obviously are an individual of great taste & craftsmanship 💚👍
@MrTheHillfolk4 жыл бұрын
@dlee t oh I hear ya. If I travel I'm gonna say I'm Canadian too. Robertson to Canada is like America's objection to using the metric system. It's a big eff you 😆
@susangunn35814 жыл бұрын
@dlee t Never be ashamed where you come from. When you are a level headed decent human being you show people what is good in America. People like Donald Trump & his supporters are not who the majority of Americans are at heart. You're obviously a person with great taste. Wherever you are in the world, that country is better for it😊
@johnwad74683 жыл бұрын
History Guy does a excellent account of one of the best jet fighters,at that time, ever built, by Canadians,the Avro Electric. I think thats what it was called. Was so good,that American builders weren't having any of it. And saw to it that the Electric never saw the light of day. Also the only prototypes we're not only scrapped,but shredded to make sure there wouldn't be any trace of what could have and should have been. That and sell out Candian politician(s) and it's fate was sealed.
@richmcintyre11784 жыл бұрын
When I moved to Canada I was introduced to the Robertson screw. Since then I use it whenever possible. The Robertson screw and driver are just fantastic to use. Using it one-handed when working on something overhead is a great advantage. All the wood projects such as decks and wood furniture are much easier when using this ingenious design. In my mind there is no debate, the Robertson is the best hands down. I have never stripped a screw head using them and you can apply much more torque on them, even more than on a Phillips. If I am repairing anything that has Flathead or Phillips screws I replace them with Robertson and have been doing so for over 40 years.
@iamheadshotnl54523 жыл бұрын
When working on ventilation shafts i always swap out the robertson screws for pozidriv screws. They are quite rare in the netherlands so no one has the robertson bit on hand...
@johnblaze52522 жыл бұрын
There is no doubt the Robertson is far superior than a Phillips… my fave go to is #2 Robertson.
@pauldavidson49772 жыл бұрын
Years ago I remember when American carpenters first came in contact with the Robertson screws here in Canada, they'd have a perplexed look upon their faces. They couldn't believe the ease and speed afforded by this screw and driver, and wondered why these weren't available south of the border. Most of them heading back home would take a selection of sizes saying that they'd rather have these than the Phillips any day.
@ronwilken52192 жыл бұрын
@@iamheadshotnl5452 Ironically here in Canada we have the same problem with posi drive tools. Everyone thinks they're Philips drive-able but they're not. Before I bought a bunch of posi driver tips in UK I ground the sharp ends off a set of Phillips drivers to use on posi drive screws. Got me out of many a jamb.
@renalshomlmes3382 жыл бұрын
@@pauldavidson4977 My dad was one of those guys. We came back from vacation with a few boxes of drywall screws and my love of Robertson screws continues. Luckily they are available at Menards, so we don't have to go to Canada for them, but best screws for drywall. All of my deck screws are torx, but the only time I get Phillips is if they are free.
@outsidethebox6174 жыл бұрын
My dad's number one complaint about any documentary discussing the Robertson screwdriver has been that not one of them thinks to mention the fact that the Robertson tip also lasts infinitely longer then any of the other ones. ( particularly the Phillips)
@Bartonovich523 жыл бұрын
No. It’s definitely finite. And it will start stripping screws not long after if it hasn’t simply broken the head in half with those sharp corners that concentrate stresses.
@outsidethebox6173 жыл бұрын
First off that was a figure of speech but all the same it does last a hell of a lot longer and I don't know what kind of screws or screwdriver tips you were using ( they might have been low-grade ones).. but I've not suffered those problems.
@stoojinator3 жыл бұрын
Your dad's onto something. I find I get a much longer use out of my square headed drivers than the star headed ones. The star headed driver seem to shear the wings off quite easily in impact drivers.
@outsidethebox6173 жыл бұрын
@@stoojinator I also realized after the fact that another thing that can lead to shearing is using the wrong sized tip. Robertsons are designed to fit snugly. There should be no play Between the screwdriver tip and the screw head. With a good fit you should be able to almost move the screwdriver into the vertical position before the screw falls off.
@ronwilken52192 жыл бұрын
@@stoojinator I would suspect that you are driving posi drive screws. Look at the screw head. Does it have a pointed hole in the bottom or a flat hole? If the latter it's probably a posi drive screw. Take a Phillips driver bit and grind the sharp tip off so it seats in the screw better. If that works look for posi driver tips if you can find them. I don't know where you're located.
@geobrower30693 жыл бұрын
I was in the coin-op video game business in the 80s and 90s here in Canada. Atari had a manufacturing plant in Ireland, they assembled the wooden game cabinets using Robertson screws and shipped them both to Europe and North America. In the bag containing the manuals was a Robertson screwdriver!
@robertvmathews4 жыл бұрын
As a Canadian, I can say you missed the most important difference: with the Robertson screw you can put a screw on the bit and wave it around and it stays on the bit, so that you can drive it completely one handed without using a second hand to hold the screw on the bit. Try that with a Philips head - oh, you can't, it falls off :(
@robertvmathews4 жыл бұрын
@@lynxxlynxx So you know what I'm talking about. Thing is, robertson predates torx/hexagon by at least 30 years.
@GoldSrc_4 жыл бұрын
Fucking magnets, how do they work? Yeah yeah, I know, it's a meme, but still. Also, how long it predates torx doesn't matter, if it's not widely used then it will remain unused by most of the world. People are not going to change to it from one day to the next.
@penguinpie50564 жыл бұрын
the thing about the robertson is it is like the daily econo driver of screws at least in canada. cheap plentiful reliable. you can't just pull a box of torx screws off the shelves at home depot. here you can do that with robertson.
@michaelault93344 жыл бұрын
Magnetic heads. They're awsome.
@Attachments.4 жыл бұрын
lynxxlynxx torx strip easily tho. Im really careful when turning a torx on my vehicles but also am the same way with philips. I rarely even see philips screws when working on vehicles its alwasy torx or socket type bolts.
@fjcrod2 жыл бұрын
As a Canadian, I've been using Robertson screws all my life. They are much preferable to the Phillips ones. Really no comparison. Due to the brilliance of their design, I just assumed that the rest of the world used them too. Had no idea that outside of Canada they are relatively unheard of. Such a pity the rest of the world hasn't caught on.
@mikewithers2992 жыл бұрын
Actually it has caught on in the building industry here in the states. For more than 10 years now I've seen most exterior decking and framing screws use a Robertson head. Torx types are also used, but they do strip out more easily.
@paulh29812 жыл бұрын
@@mikewithers299 Torx strips out more easily, but Robertson cams out much more easily than Torx. At least, the ones I used did, I only tried one brand. Maybe they were poorly made.
@mikewithers2992 жыл бұрын
@@paulh2981 I've had my time stripping out many screw types. My bits were always taking the brunt of damage. I found that buying good quality tips, and applying good firm pressure, and keeping the bit straight help me not strip my screws and bits as much.
@mmarjisr2 жыл бұрын
I always found that the Phillips screwdriver and the Flathead screwdriver always strips the screw heads if you're not careful compared to the Robinson screwdriver
@insertgoodname48092 жыл бұрын
@@paulh2981 I have never had a Robertson cam out on me. You definitely got a bad batch. That is the whole advantage of the Robertson. It will (under enough torque) deform the driver bit before deforming the screw head. Brilliant design.
@beetlejuice12394 жыл бұрын
Electrician of industrial engineering here. Started my career back in my home country Germany and never worked with anything other than phillips screws pretty much. First job in canada i learned about the robertson screws... and the patent fight about it. Since i saw these they became my favourite ones.
@CMDR_Elizium51RA Жыл бұрын
As a woodworker in the US I can say we often use Robertson screws, they just tend to often be referred to as Kreg screws due to their proliferation by being used in Kreg jigs for joinery/assembly.
@maxfedor1 Жыл бұрын
Yah, as a Canadian carpenter I couldn’t imagine driving a 3 “ number 8 wood screw with a Philips head. I live 20 minutes from Milton Ontario, where Robertson factory still is
@mikeking7470 Жыл бұрын
Some of the coated Kreg screws are crap, the coating so thick the driver doesn't fit the screw properly. I'll be buying my square head screws from someone else when I run out of Kreg screws.
@bernieschaloske6711 Жыл бұрын
@@mikeking7470 outsourced manufacturing - they are more expensive, but you can source true Robertson screws from the original manufacturer
@Tyler-nh6oy Жыл бұрын
I’m more accustomed to star screws than Robertsons, never seen a Robertson in the wild. (USA)
@thomaslouisklein5532 Жыл бұрын
@@bernieschaloske6711 or from ANY hardware store in canada. they have tons of them!
@michaelfodor62804 жыл бұрын
As a Canadian electrician, I live by the #2 Robertson. THG's analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of both types is bang on. Thanks for the episode that speaks to all us "sparkies".
@flatulent-14 жыл бұрын
I worked for an electrician in Seattle in the late 80s, and we used nothing but #2 square drive. It's still my go-to fastener at home.
@michaellebreton42944 жыл бұрын
Remember when it was called an eight ? A six for the ground wire ?
@michaellebreton42944 жыл бұрын
@jumblesgoodridge Phillips is better for that application because of the high revs and the quick release . Robertson would snap off in such a case .
@healthfitness85324 жыл бұрын
Hey sparky. Check this guy out. LED lighting kzbin.info/door/7CuAwCz4JDLTEa7XE4oodgvideos?disable_polymer=1
@supermegavideos1564 жыл бұрын
Youre Canadian but call it a number two and not a red? Lol
@wilsondarren4 жыл бұрын
Fun fact: Information panels at the Henry Ford and Thomas Edison museum in Fort Myers, Florida are attached to the walls using Robertson screws.
@anthonyhealey71204 жыл бұрын
Possibly intended as an ant-theft measure?
@psdaengr9114 жыл бұрын
They are used for decking screws where high torque is required, not optional..
@adognamedsally4 жыл бұрын
Hey, that was a fun fact!
@MrLichmeister4 жыл бұрын
that IS interesting :)
@stefanmolnapor9104 жыл бұрын
Gunna have to check this out! Thanks!
@Strongit4 жыл бұрын
My dad's name was Robert and he was a mechanic. When I was younger he would refer to the smaller and larger robertson screwdrivers as a Chris and a Jason after me and my brother. I would always roll my eyes at that.
@ariochiv3 жыл бұрын
Imagine if, as children in the classroom, we were taught by a teacher with this kind of passion and charisma. Actually, I did have a few such teachers. A very few.
@em0_tion Жыл бұрын
Imagine if we had today's desire for knowledge and understanding back then! 😝
@ariochiv Жыл бұрын
@@em0_tion Children have a very strong desire for knowledge, when it is encouraged.
@shertechsystems4 жыл бұрын
I’ve worked as a cabinet contractor for years. We always use Robertson screws. They work best in fine cabinetry. I’ve seen philips screws strip (or can) out so many times. The Robertson goes in nice and precise. No strip, no sharp edge.
@jasonmurawski58774 жыл бұрын
Ken Sherman I have used them before, and I have never had one strip on me either.
@ryandavis75934 жыл бұрын
I have broken more than a few but that was because of having the clutch set to tight on the driver. I have probably driven close to a million of them. They only cam out when you have a very worn driver bit.
@karlvs26164 жыл бұрын
As a younger member of our Canadian Engineering Department in the late 80's, we had built up a Prototype Sample using Robertson Screws (of course!). However, some time later It was sent to one of our US Customers for evaluation. We received a terse note to the effect "Send us some Real Screws!". My Boss' response was "Wait, we will send you some Real Screwdrivers!". :-)
@sithyarael68074 жыл бұрын
Well that is you Canukes trying to figure out what us Americans said so there is that. And then Torx came out and changed everything.
@Condor5124 жыл бұрын
That's funny.
@eclogite4 жыл бұрын
@@sithyarael6807 I never thought "Canuck" would become a Canadian shibboleth, but here we are...
@crush42mash63 жыл бұрын
Robertson screwdriver is superior yet Americans refuse to use it because it’s not theirs. Imagine if we thought the other way around I don’t use any other products because it’s not Canadian? So many times I slept with the Phillips screwdriver and smashed my fingers while working on my car, never had a problem with Robertson.
@jic13 жыл бұрын
@@crush42mash6 I live and England, and I don't recall ever seeing a Robertson screwdriver or screw in real life. Pozidriv, Torx, and hex all over the place, but never Robertson. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with Robertson (since, as I've said, I've never seen one), but they don't appear to be especially popular outside Canada.
@ELMS4 жыл бұрын
As a Canadian we’re especially proud of the Robertson. It’s in widespread use in Canada today and provides excellent torque transfer with minimum slippage. 😃🇨🇦. Excellent story!
@Pisti8464 жыл бұрын
You darned Dominions, always bragging!
@NB-ir1me2 жыл бұрын
Very common for carpenters in the usa to use robertsons. My back porch is secured with robertsons
@My-Pal-Hal3 ай бұрын
@@NB-ir1me We Use SQUARE DRIVES, ya commie 😂 ... USA, US, EH
@kenneth62112 жыл бұрын
As a bricklayer for over a decade I thoroughly enjoy testing the efficiency of several tools built for a specific job to their breaking points. Videos such as these are music to my ears, I truly love hearing the history of innovation.. especially since I’m from Ontario, Canada.. I had no idea the Robby was developed here
@JunkBondTrader Жыл бұрын
I miss brick in Ontario, I grew up in North Bay. Great choice there for its insulating ability, the cold and humid ass summers.... Out in BC now, you dont see much residential brick out here. It's a lot of stucco and wood.
@OriginalMergatroid Жыл бұрын
They taught us this in our shop class in Barrie Ontario.
@ScottStathis4 жыл бұрын
When you can make even the history of screws interesting your definitely one to watch! 3 cheers for The History Guy!!!
@raakbie31773 жыл бұрын
This was the very first episode of THG that I ever watched and it is still amazing and informative. I now only use Robertson screws on my woodworking projects. I live in South Africa.
@JunkBondTrader Жыл бұрын
Nice! Yeah they are so efficient and quick to work with in woodworking. Easy to slot, hang on the bit, self centers.
@tedwoodside9754 жыл бұрын
I have often heard of the Robertson's being referred to as "square drives". It wasn't until I worked in the RV industry that I learned of the Robertson name and came to really appreciate the design.
@howdyahworkthisthing15204 жыл бұрын
Ted Woodside “American square” is not a Robertson. It’s much shallower, and less tapered than the Robbie. Doesn’t hold the screw as well.
@tomlangley62364 жыл бұрын
I too discovered the supremacy of the square headed screw when I became an RV Tech in the early 90s. To this day I will use a Square headed screw whenever possible.
@thomashughes_teh4 жыл бұрын
I worked briefly building temporary sets on theater stage. Our "reusable" screws had square openings. I don't know their patent definition but they were spoiling me with their ease of operation from the very first twist.
@TheNortheastAl4 жыл бұрын
Square deck screws are popular in the USA.
@schizy4 жыл бұрын
@@howdyahworkthisthing1520 *I suspect you're wrong, but I can't be positive. I don't think there's any difference in depth.*
@josephstrubhar8697 Жыл бұрын
The Robertson screw is now the screw of choice for electricians in the US.
@RobertLeBlancPhoto Жыл бұрын
There's also the ECX, which is basically a combination of square, phillips, and flathead screw. LOL
@josephstrubhar8697 Жыл бұрын
@@RobertLeBlancPhoto In the electrical industry, it's referred to as a combination screw.
@kellyh4035 Жыл бұрын
It would be if you had free access to all sizes.
@gragor11 Жыл бұрын
@@RobertLeBlancPhoto The ECX. Made out of pot metal. Thank you Leviton. The worst screw in the world.
@curtisjmurphy Жыл бұрын
I can't imagine having to install Philips screws at the back of junction boxes all day long. I've only ever used Robertson and the ability to reliably affix the screw to the end of the driver and then install it one handed is awesome (and arguably safer). About the only fault is the different sizes required, #2 for everything on the boxes and #1 for the devices.
@sirMAXX774 жыл бұрын
Me: "It's starting to get late. I should go to bed. ... Oh look, a video on the history of the screw driver. Ah, why not."
@josephsindoni29144 жыл бұрын
sirMAXX...hahaha, same. Not bed time but I thought, knowledge is ‘power.’ Interesting video. Now we know.
@thearchibaldtuttle4 жыл бұрын
We are one big family of unknowns!
@RaglansElectricBaboon4 жыл бұрын
And me!
@seanpereira69614 жыл бұрын
Yep, yep, yep
@natanaelrodriguez95804 жыл бұрын
Literally me rn
@Happy-Hunter894 жыл бұрын
As a contractor building houses I've seen a big shift towards the "Torx" head screws. The popularity of battery powered impact drivers seems to have pushed the industry in that direction.
@nealrehm68953 жыл бұрын
As a wood worker for over sixty years, I’ve had a lot of experience with these fasteners. The Torx bits are by far the best design yet! In between carpentry work, housing recession, I spent time in the automotive sector. As new young workers were hired and assigned to me I would have them go fetch me a Metric Philips Screwdriver! Got’em evertime!
@alextaurman27663 жыл бұрын
I can back you on that. I do structural concrete and torx are about all we use now. They drive great one handed with an impact, which is good for my aging labor pool in the trades.
@geoh77773 жыл бұрын
Impact drivers do well with Phillips head screws. The handyman who helped me on a project had no problem driving three-inch-long screws into aged support members (harder, dried joists) with his old, well-used Dewalt impact driver.
@neville132bbk3 жыл бұрын
@@nealrehm6895 Like sending someone new to get a wool saw, or a tin of tartan paint.
@R.Lennartz3 жыл бұрын
@@neville132bbk When I was learning to be an electrician in school, every year one of my teachers would ask the most gullible kid of that years class, to go fill a bucket with electricity, the entire school staff was in on it, and they would send him all over the school, they'd say, "oh were all out of electricity here, go ask somewhere else", and then when he found the teacher who'd be the one to pretend to fill the bucket, he'd go back to his class, give the bucket to the teacher, and he'd say "damn it all leaked out, the lid must've not been on all the way", and send him back to fill it up again :)
@flapjack413 Жыл бұрын
I started using Robertson style screws here in the US about 20 years ago. I love their ability to pretty much hold themselves on the driver bit, even without magnetic assistance. I also liked what I thought was the impossibility for them to cam out. About 5 years or so into using them, one did cam out, and since I wasn't even the least bit expecting it to happen, I didn't have my other hand holding the workpiece a safe distance from the screw, and I proceeded to drive the bit through my thumbnail. OUCH. That was the one and only time that I ever had the bit slip on a Robertson to this day. They're definitely my screw of choice when applicable!
@JunkBondTrader Жыл бұрын
yeah so much quicker, especially for repetition work. One handed usage in many situations is great. Its so much easier to slot the bit. In construction we always use them. But we actually use phillips a lot around the house, even more common around the house actually, since we import most of our retail items, and dont manufacture a lot of them. Damn that sounds painful lol. Good thing it wasnt a flat head, it might have lopped your thumb off haha. But a sqquare pushing through your thumb doesn't sound nice either.. THe force needs to push that dull cube into your thumb sounds gnarly lol.
@bernieschaloske6711 Жыл бұрын
I've never done that with a hand held screwdriver, but once and only once, when said bit was attached to a drill... a lesson not soon forgotten. the fact that they can be reused so often (if driven and removed in the same alignment) are also a real cost saving.
@encarn4 жыл бұрын
Never heard of the Robertson screw. Also never thought I'd watch a 16 minute long video about this topic and enjoy it this much.
@howdyahworkthisthing15204 жыл бұрын
Red Robbie’s the best. Your driver can hold the screw even upside down. Works amazingly with an impact gun. 🍻🇨🇦
@fergusmallon13374 жыл бұрын
Red, unless you need a green or a black. Just a matter of size.
@servico1004 жыл бұрын
@@fergusmallon1337 or that ridiculous yellow, size matters
@garrettnelson22934 жыл бұрын
Thank you Phillips for all of the many experiences with drilling out your screws. What a lovely device
@wolfhodgkinson68664 жыл бұрын
That only happens to people who don't know how to use it.
@drops2cents2603 жыл бұрын
@@wolfhodgkinson6866 Not always. If the folks who put the screws in for instance didn't bother to adjust the torque on their cordless screwdrivers but just left it on the drill setting and then also just wen't "meh, I'll just go for it until I hear the rattling sound and then give it an extra one or two seconds just for good measure", you may be drilling out a lot of screws and curse the ones who put them in. In addition, it's also a question of the quality of the screws used (for instance, I learned the hard way that the best thing you can do with screws that come with cheaper PC cases is to just bin them almost every time, because they often are so bloody soft as if they were made out of pure zinc).
@ronalddavis3 жыл бұрын
@@drops2cents260 proper size bit slow speed lots of pressure is the ticket
@drops2cents2603 жыл бұрын
@@ronalddavis Yes, I know that, but many seem not to.
@csonkaperdido3 жыл бұрын
@@wolfhodgkinson6866 the problem I have have as a mechanic is that dumb people think that the proper way to use a Philips is to just torque it until the driver strips the head of the screw... Then I have to either bust out the screw extractor kit, which rarely actually works - or drill it out. Torx screws are by far the best - because even if someone uses a T20 driver in a T25 screw, it will only "barely" strip the head of the screw - and I can easily get the proper T25 back in the screw with a few light hammer taps and just unscrew the damn thing. Philips head screws should NEVER be used for anything that's through - bolted or requires any reasonable amount of torque to be applied. Yet I see thousands and thousands of stripped out Philips head screws that I have to drill out. I've never once had to drill out a Torx... And the best by far is the Torx "security" or "no tamper" style with the little round dot in the middle - that literally makes it impossible to use anything except for the exact right size driver. You can't jam a T20 Torx security driver into a T25 security style screw - the little round thing in the center won't allow it to even go in the screw at all.
@MuckyWaters Жыл бұрын
One of the really useful things about Robertsons srews is that the slots are very resistant to stripping which means you can often use them over and over again which is handy for temporarily securing things and building and stripping concrete forms.
@anulfadventures4 жыл бұрын
I knew a South African who had moved to Canada. When he had to move back home to SA he had a steamer trunk full of Robertson screws and drivers shipped to his new address.
@jonmce14 жыл бұрын
I worked for a company that did large equipment installations out of country. They always had to bring a lot of extra Robertson screw drivers and screws because they were frequently stolen. Phillips not so much.
@unclejoeoakland4 жыл бұрын
That was a smart man
@brianhalberg65624 жыл бұрын
I did exactly the same thing when I moved to Australia from the Great White North. I pity the poor b@stard that buys my place when I die. Without a couple of sizes of Robertson screwdrivers he'll be....screwed.
@81preston4 жыл бұрын
We have Robinson screws in south Africa for many years. We just call them square head screws.
@elonmust74704 жыл бұрын
I inherited some of my stepdad's dad's tools and there were some of those strange square screwdrivers in the lot. The guy worked in Yellowknife Canada.
@BillyN314 жыл бұрын
Why couldn’t I have had a teacher like this guy?
@justinofboulder4 жыл бұрын
Yep...might have inspired me to stay in school....
@telemachin4 жыл бұрын
I had a geography/history teacher like that during middle school, 30 years ago. And he is one of the 3 teachers i still can remember the name.
@bartscanland94154 жыл бұрын
You probably did.
@BillyN314 жыл бұрын
Bart Scanland nope
@bennylofgren32084 жыл бұрын
Well, we all do now at least! 👍
@stargazer71842 жыл бұрын
You have an incredible knack for making the most obscure things so interesting. Always a fan. Cheers!
@pickeljarsforhillary1024 жыл бұрын
Phillips heads: helping power tools strip heads since 1932.
@bonniemills28274 жыл бұрын
PickelJars ForHillary ya. I hate when that happens.
@orangelion034 жыл бұрын
I've always thought the guy that created Phillips created E-Z Outs the following week.
@michaeldavidson51704 жыл бұрын
Any tool when used properly will do a good job and that goes for Phillips screws and screwdrivers too.
@worldissuesmatter16434 жыл бұрын
PickelJars ForHillary That was the whole point of the Phillips. It is torque limited by design.
@randyralls96584 жыл бұрын
Yep
@elliotfineberg95034 жыл бұрын
Full marks for actually discussing the *desirability* of cam-out in certain applications with Phillips!
@Dr_Do-Little4 жыл бұрын
When stripping the head is part of your manufacturing method. Sure.
@larrysulky76144 жыл бұрын
@@Dr_Do-Little -- When driving in sheetrock, I want the head to cam out when things start tightening down.
@alansmith21974 жыл бұрын
@@larrysulky7614 That's why, here in the UK, about the only Phillips screws we use are for sheetrock (or plasterboard, as we call it). Any other woodscrew is mostly Posidrive, that resists cam-out. You'll see if you check out Screwfix.com, the UK's biggest retailer of screws.
@ImBarryScottCSS4 жыл бұрын
@@Dr_Do-Little It was a huge benefit in large scale manufacturing during a time when most were still put in by a human hand but before torque control tools were available. A stripped head is much preferable on the line to an overtorqued failure point.
@patientzerobeat4 жыл бұрын
The "automatic" cam-out, which strips the head at least a little, is a poor substitute for a modern electric screwdriver with a clutch that can stop spinning when it gets to a certain torque. And the fact that you can sort of use the wrong tool (wrong size Phillips or even a Slot) to drive a Phillips screw is hardly what I would call a worthwhile advantage, seeing as it also tends to strip the screw at least a little. One can also use a one size smaller Robertson screwdriver or even a Phillips screwdriver to drive a Robertson screw in a pinch (obviously also at the risk of stripping it).
@mechmotion4 жыл бұрын
USA comment here. I’ve always called Robertson “square head”. I just did some electrical work and noticed that all the load center components were Robertson“square head”. I think I would prefer Robertson “square head” screws over Phillips for almost all applications.
@DavidThomas-sv1tk4 жыл бұрын
(also USA) That is the most common place I encounter Robertson screws: load centers a.k.a. (circuit) "breaker box". Both the outer screws that hold the sheet metal cover on (which are strictly Robertson) and also in the screw terminals on each circuit breaker are usually a combo Robertson/slotted bolt head. Yeah, for working in electrical cabinets (or most anywhere) the greater ability of the Robertson screw to stay on the driver as you place it in an inaccessible spot is very helpful. They often stay on, just physically, and any slightly magnetized bit holds them nicely.
@PaulGuy4 жыл бұрын
The ECX tips (square with the points aligned with the slot) are also very useful for electricians, I use one on just about every coupling and connector I install.
@robertsparkman85164 жыл бұрын
I'm an electrician, that is the only place I run into them. I like them, but use torx at home as they are pretty common now here in US ( Ohio).
@Nayr7474 жыл бұрын
Robertson isn't the same as square head. Robertsons are tapered and hold the driver better.
@mechmotion4 жыл бұрын
@@Nayr747 Thanks, I'll have to look up the difference. The square heads I'm used to hold the driver pretty well. Now I'm curious to see the difference.
@DeanWhipper Жыл бұрын
Very interesting to know the square head designs that I've only come to use relatively recently are actually over 100 years old. And very hilarious to think people have been using inferior Phillips screws for such a long time when better alternatives have existed.
@richardross17544 жыл бұрын
Someone asked me what I’m watching and I said “the history of screwdrivers” I don’t think I’ll be invited to the very many parties this year.
@psychonaut18294 жыл бұрын
Well then they have obviously never felt the joy of boring documentary☝🤓
@klmbuilders53854 жыл бұрын
Hahaha!
@dallas9984 жыл бұрын
Hahaha that's a good one!
@MusicFanatical14 жыл бұрын
Tell them 'screwdriver' as in the cocktail ;-)
@GrimSleepy4 жыл бұрын
Since I know for a fact you're the life of the party (surprising how much you can learn by simply watching someone through their bedroom window) I believe it is merely themselves, whom they have screwed.
@Cee64E4 жыл бұрын
As a Cabinetmaker, I've always called these "Square drive" screws. I prefer these over Phillips screws because Phillips screws cam out, as mentioned, for seemingly any reason. They also won't stay on the driver, even with a magnetic bit, if they bump into anything more substantail than a spider web. That's kind of important when you are snaking arm and driver back deep into a cabinet to secure a counter top, or when one hand must hold the cabinet on the wall while the other secures it. Don't get me started on straight slotted screws. A former employer once told me the patent for them was supposedly owned by the Devil himself and I am inclined to believe him.
@lifeisawesome13914 жыл бұрын
When I moved to Canada and bought a house, I thought all the screws were stripped and I tried all sort of crazy things to get them out of the walls until I realized it was just a different type of screw.
@reda198914 жыл бұрын
i cant believe there is NO square screws anywhere outside Canada, this is crazy
@tenmillionvolts4 жыл бұрын
Maybe not in USA but here in New Zealand, builders use Robertson screws all the time. Phillips for everything else though
@ce2flaco4 жыл бұрын
@@reda19891 As stated by Phil. they are common in electrical manufacturing. I like them just fine. It's no different than any other fastener IMO. Just need the correct tool sized appropriately for the screw.
@edgarinv4 жыл бұрын
@@reda19891 we have them in Mexico, very limited applications. Electrical, for screw terminals. And in roofing for woodscrews.
@Paint0nBrush4 жыл бұрын
@@reda19891 check inside a breaker box
@nzlemming2 жыл бұрын
I'm in NZ and we know the Robertson well. I build community theatre sets and we get a lot of volunteers with little tool experience to "help" with the build. The best thing about the Robertson is that it's so hard to burr the head, which means it's very easy to unscrew when you strike the set at the end of the run. In fact, the only thing I know that will burr a #2 Robertson head is using an impact driver with a #1 Robertson bit. That was a very tense afternoon, and now I usually do the building by myself.
@MimiMoore4 жыл бұрын
Phillips screws taught me how to swear in several languages.
@davidwerner84574 жыл бұрын
If you used slot heads you would be fluent in several languages!!
@dopiaza20064 жыл бұрын
Taught you...
@MimiMoore4 жыл бұрын
@@dopiaza2006 thx :)
@taekwondotime4 жыл бұрын
If you use a Robertson head screw you spend 100% of your energy TURNING the screw. If you use a Phillips head screw, you spend 20% of your energy turning the screw and the other 80% of your energy PUSHING the screw so that the screwdriver doesn't pop out. I think it's pretty clear that Robertson won, and I'm happy with Canada keeping some inventions/technologies to itself for competitive advantage purposes. The less the world knows about them, the better it is for us. :)
@HartmutWSager4 жыл бұрын
Me too! (Re: "taught me how to swear in several languages")
@jarv19554 жыл бұрын
Great story, Lets hear more about tools and such.
@einsibongo4 жыл бұрын
I'm hoping for a season full at least
@chuckmcgill48564 жыл бұрын
Since you mentioned Canada, ever do a show on the Avro Arrow. That's Canadian history worth remembering.
@bok..4 жыл бұрын
Should we really remember that thing? Bureaucracy killed that wonderful machine.
@fergusmallon13374 жыл бұрын
YES. Triumph and tragedy
@dwightstjohn69274 жыл бұрын
@@bok.. like oil refineries to be built in Alberta, it was a phone call from out of the country to the correct Toronto/Montreal law firms. NO, you're not going to do it. Tell your elected reps. in Ottawa. And that ain't over.
@andytaylor15884 жыл бұрын
@@dwightstjohn6927 WEXIT Alberta.
@servico1004 жыл бұрын
Ah the Avro Arrow, a piece of Canadiana, the interceptor of what-ifs. Canceled WHY? #1 With development costs out of sight and projected sales of 200 copies it would never compete with the sales forces and pressures of the US aircraft industry. #2 it was the twilight of the interceptor a new Sam day was dawning. #3 A government that could not see beyond a doddering fool of a leader who trashed an innovative, modern industry composed of a young, capable, skilled and experienced workforce. Like the fastener of this "History Deserves to Be Remembered" episode it has been consigned to a footnote in the dusty cupboard of old men's memories. It certainly was a better product than the "self snapping" power-driven Robertson fastening system.
@edmundschultz66483 жыл бұрын
I was working for Lockheed on a Canadian program. We had to ship some items to the company in Marietta. After the items got there we received a nasty call from the plant telling us to either use different screws or send a screwdriver down. Yea, they had secured the box with Robertson screws.
@realemonful Жыл бұрын
😂😂😂That is hilarious but understandable if you have never dealt with Robertson I guess lol
@hurlaky43 Жыл бұрын
I’ve been in that exact situation, had to cut open the crate with a sawzall because we couldn’t get those Canadian screws out
@leeebob2 Жыл бұрын
I'm an American and my 1986 American made motor home has Robertson screws. I had no trouble finding a Robertson screwdriver. I have a Japanese made radio that uses the JIS standard screws. The JIS screw looks like a Phillips screw but a Phillips screwdriver cams out and badly burrs the screws messing up the looks of the equipment.
@mikeking7470 Жыл бұрын
@@leeebob2 my mobile home, a Rollahome, used clutch head screws, a weird thing with a butterfly head. I think the air powered drivers they used at the plant had torque settings, made that way so that the screws and drivers didn't fall into the lunch boxes of workers.
@Pood36911 ай бұрын
@@realemonfulp
@Gridlessness4 жыл бұрын
"I hate phillips!" says every Canadian, every time they use a phillips.
@farmguy24004 жыл бұрын
Exactly.
@Surreyredneck4 жыл бұрын
Yup, every time!
@Actionronnie4 жыл бұрын
I have learned not to hate them,cause I've learned to throw them away before ever opening the package they come in.
@jrstf4 жыл бұрын
My Tunisian friend said they had a different name for them, they call them American screws, not spoken with respect.
@PBlaik4 жыл бұрын
Anyone who's used Robertson would never want to use another screw. What other screw stays on the drill/screwdriver without needing a magnetic bit???
@keeganwatt32174 жыл бұрын
As a Canadian farmer you most certainly can turn Robertson’s with a smaller flathead Edit; I’ve also seen sticks whittled into small squares however if only works if the screws already fairly loose
Your statement implies I cannot turn such a screw with a flathead driver unless I am a Canadian farmer. 😉
@kanescrimes48484 жыл бұрын
@@ksmanning No it doesn't. It implies that if you're a Canadian-farmer you MOST CERTAINLY can turn a Robertson screw with a flat-head small enough to fit. It doesn't imply that it's necessary to be a Canadian-farmer to do so. It doesn't imply that people who aren't Canadian farmers necessarily can't. 😉
@peanutbutterjellyfish26654 жыл бұрын
Keegan Watt As an American from Washington state. I agree.
@theoldguy93294 жыл бұрын
@@ksmanning As a Canadian non-farming mathematician may I assure you that the rest of us Canadians can indeed turn a Robertson screw with a flathead screwdriver in a pinch. I would not you can also use a many Philips driver though it is still better to use the proper Robertson..
@oBseSsIoNPC4 жыл бұрын
Living in Canada and I keep telling my folks in Germany, to try and convince the industry to get rid of Philips screws and switch to robertson screws. NEVER have I stripped a robertson, ALWAYS (when the driver isn't wore out and even THAT takes forever) does the screws stick nicely to the bit or screw driver. ANYTIME a screw has been painted over, you can easily get the paint out or often just force the driver in and undo the screw. You CANNOT mix up the 3, rarely 4 different sizes of drivers, even visually they are easy to distinguish. When I first came to Canada, the Roberston was the one thing in my trade that blew me away. MUST BE EXPERIENCED to be truly believed and enjoyed! GO CANADA! PS, more often than not, when you have a brand new driver bit and screw, you have to FIGHT to get the screw to come off the bit, allowing you to stick a screw on and wielding the combination upside down, walking around with and just simply not needing a magnet to keep them stuck together! Friction and geometry baby! And super cheap screws, vs torx
@pookitherat Жыл бұрын
I recently had my garage extended & bought several sizes of Torx headed screws to be driven in using my Makita impact driver. I love these Torx screws! They are so easy to drive in with the impact and you get the feel for them quickly. I also go out with my locksmith friend to deal with all manner of doors & windows here in Scotland. We both detest flat screws for their propensity to allow the driver to "fall off" the screw and almost scratch the piece of door furniture you're working on. The only downside with Phillips screws in this use is that it is hard to find decorative screws that suit the brass or chrome furniture. A slightly domed flat always looks more appropriate....
@tristanduff4 жыл бұрын
As a woodworker, I've leaned more towards Robertson in recent years for the exact reasons you mentioned.
@divarachelenvy4 жыл бұрын
then there's this Allen guy too.
@sergarlantyrell78474 жыл бұрын
Allen's such a great guy, even if he is getting a little round in his old age...
@jrb_sland50664 жыл бұрын
Too many sizes, in both imperial and metric ranges, and no standardized color-coding. Crazy!
@gavinhirt69944 жыл бұрын
@@jrb_sland5066 yup welcome to American auto mechanics 1kg bag to fix a 2.2 lbs problem
@patrickmcleod1114 жыл бұрын
**Not to mention the fastener head design called the "Hex" drive, invented by Reginald Hex. Or the square head design, by Larry Square... Anyway, it was smart of GM to switch from slotted to Phillips in the 1930s. That was some far sighted thinking by founder Robert General Motors, usually referred to as Robert G. Motors...**
@allenkennedy994 жыл бұрын
Aww thanks
@TheMan44074 жыл бұрын
Did I just watch a 20 minute video on screws? Yes, and I loved it! Extremely informative!
@pantex52913 жыл бұрын
Lol, yep, we are tool nerds
@ARCADEBLOWTORCH3 жыл бұрын
I know eh!!
@skippymcskipster87793 жыл бұрын
Yes we did! Very informative.
@jovetj2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you don't feel screwed over.
@FozzyBBear Жыл бұрын
My dad turned me on to Robertson screws decades ago. What I love most about them is their reusability. Anything I've assembled with Robertson screws, I have no problem dismantling it for storage or removal, and then reconstructing it later. I can understand why the manufacturers love using Phillips - it makes their job easier while making future repair harder. Rather then camming out, Phillips tends too often to disintegrate to the point of needing to be drilled out.
@gonehometoacadia31394 жыл бұрын
I've dealt with a bunch of stripped out Phillips and slotted screws. And I cursed the individual responsible and many a generation of his her descendants every time. But that Robertson head screw is a winner in my book.
@CallieMasters50004 жыл бұрын
I'm over 40 and been to Canada a dozen times, but this is a new one on me! Well played, History Guy!
@cgaccount36694 жыл бұрын
We have superior screws but in general I don't think the tourism industry has embraced that fact lol
@carlthor914 жыл бұрын
The father of one of my friends, would always go to the Canadian Tire Store, when he came up from Minnesota, carried back boxes and boxes of Robertson screws and screw drivers. That was about ~35 years ago.
@foamer4434 жыл бұрын
Next time you'll have to sneak in a trip to a Home Despot north of the 49th. Tell the wife your going out for a screw and then try and get them past the Border Patrol.
@kporter85db4 жыл бұрын
I've been using Robertson screws here in the USA for 30 years.
@BamaShinesDistillery4 жыл бұрын
I now try to use torx every where I can.
@ezrabrooks124 жыл бұрын
Ken/// IV'E USED THEM FOR YEARS ALSO,NEVER KNEW THEY WERE CALLED ROBERTSON SCREWS!!!!
@DarkLinkAD4 жыл бұрын
Ive seen them in homes built in the 1970s, Even the impacts (used by hand) are rounded after 15 or so screws.
@13blackg4 жыл бұрын
been using them ever since i started apprenticing as an electrician, most everything electrical uses robertson screws these days
@glenhayhoe4 жыл бұрын
You sound like a smart man
@_CAT-lg4sr Жыл бұрын
History Guy. You are one of the greats. You have that uniqueness in your narratives, the cadence, pauses, humor, diction and tonal qualities that I put you in the same league as Sir David Attenborough and Walter Cronkite in your delivery. Thank you for being you !
@garethbaus54714 жыл бұрын
I have only used Robertson screws once, and I have found that they are easier to use than Phillips screws, I wish either Robertson or torx screws would take over, they are to Phillips what Phillips is to flathead.
@herrakaarme4 жыл бұрын
Torx is well on its way to take over or at least be relatively equal. Hopefully it will. Personally, I only buy torx when possible, and indeed these days it's pleasantly often possible.
@kenbrown28084 жыл бұрын
Robertson screws have the unique ability to both cam out AND lock the screwdriver tip into the screw, making it necessary to use pliers to get your power driver tip loose from the screwhead - sometimes doing both with the same screw.
@garethbaus54714 жыл бұрын
@@kenbrown2808 it might just be that I had better screws, but the robertsons I used certainly seemed much harder to cam out than a Phillips and I wasn't pre drilling or counter sinking but was still making sure the heads were beneath the surface something that although possible with Phillips isn't always easy.
@kenbrown28084 жыл бұрын
@@garethbaus5471 oh, they certainly don't cam out as easily as phillips, but they can still cam out under torque. of course, Torx has never cammed out on me unless I used the wrong size tip - but stainless torx screws have a tendency to fall off the driver unless you can use one hand to guide the screw tip, or have a screw guide on your driver and keep it above horizontal.
@edwardleas16194 жыл бұрын
Granger probably has them
@gavintolen50124 жыл бұрын
Robertson vs Phillips has never been a argument, Robertson is the clean winner. But Robertson vs Torx I’ve had shouting matches over
@Argentvs4 жыл бұрын
I've never seen the Robertson ones. In Argentina is all flat single slot (hate them, hate them, I hate them so so so much hate them), Phillips (default) and then torx and allen. Those last ones are the best.
@gavintolen50124 жыл бұрын
Argentvs I think Robertson is most popular in pocket hole jigs right now, I haven’t seen many either
@scottyoung78564 жыл бұрын
Torx is a better design, but there are way too many sizes. 5 sizes of Robertson drives every screw from #1 all the way into 1/4" but there are 50? 100? sizes of torx for that. Is that screw a 25 torx? Or a 27? Or a 30? What if your set only has 25 and 30 but it is a 27?
@Argentvs4 жыл бұрын
@@scottyoung7856 well, you have to get the proper one. We have wrenches for each mm. Drilling bits also they are 4 per millimeter, 1, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75, 2 and so on.
@scottyoung78564 жыл бұрын
But that is my point. There is good reason for many sizes of drill bits, but no good reason for so many sizes of drive. Notice that sockets only have a few drive sizes? And they are easy to tell apart at a glance? Non external drive fasteners should be the same.
@darthcat63374 жыл бұрын
This is a rare episode that enjoys learning a simple tool found in nearly everyone's home while offering so many puns to be made. THG doesn't screw around explaining the History behind the use and invention of the simple screw,
@ericmintz8305 Жыл бұрын
I've owned Robertson screwdrivers since 1972 and find them handy, especially during electric projects. Robertson screws are sold at every home center for finishing, especially mounting molding. I have to say that, while I have many Phillips head screws in my toolbox, Torx is my favorite. I have an assortment of Torx drivers and plan to standardize on Torx.
@wiburnham Жыл бұрын
The thing with Torx is that you need a bunch of driver sizes, unless the job calls for just one size. I'm a DIYer and use numerous sizes of screw (wood screws mainly), and #1 and #2 Robertson drivers cover all of what I use regularly. And of those, the R2 handles 70% to 80% of the screws I use. I suppose that versatility equates in the Phillips realm to #1 and #2 PH, but the extra pressure required to drive a Phillips and the desire to avoid cam-out scars led me to Robertson. (In fact, I've switched my Phillips drivers to JIS #1, #2, #3 made by Vessel - the JIS gets a better grip on the ordinary Phillips head.) For me the frustration is that I live in the States, so Robertson is hard to find and getting harder, as Torx seems to be sweeping the deck screw field in place of the "square" drive (Robertson). (Yes, I know there are actual differences, with the Robertson have the double-taper recess vs. the square's straight sides.) Anyway, my wife's Canadian and we do visits to family a couple times a year, so.... And thanks to ebay, I have a wood-handled Robertson #2 (red) driver made in the Robertson factory in Milton. Edit: Reading the discussions here further, I should say that I'm mainly a hand-tool user, and even my "cordless driver" is a 10-inch sweep bit brace with the appropriate driver (and adapter as needed) in the chuck. Once a great while, I'll put a 4" driver (Robertson or Phillips) into my variable-speed electric drill, set the top speed low, and drive screws... But that's only when I have a lot of them to do. Otherwise I like the torque control the bit brace gives and, man, is it easy to bear down when needed.
@bigmikeh58274 жыл бұрын
The Robertson aka “square drive” is very popular in the electrical trade. Conduit fixtures and terminal screws for residential switches typically use a #1 tip, conduit couplings use a #2. Furniture and cabinet installers also use a #2. And deck screws are typically a #2. Great video. Think I’ll show this to my Industrial Maintenance class tomorrow.
@davewolf88694 жыл бұрын
As someone in construction, we are seeing more and more robertson square drive screws... And I can tell you it is a better system than the phillips, and bits last longer.
@VC-Toronto4 жыл бұрын
"Robertson" and "Square Drive" are two different things. (very similar though) Robertson screw (and drivers) have a slight taper, whereas Square Drive do not. Maybe a patent issue?
@BamaShinesDistillery4 жыл бұрын
Square is big in cheaper applications like RVs.....But torx is the way to go.
@treborironwolfe9784 жыл бұрын
I'd imagine that robertson bits are much more difficult to wear-down than phillips-head bits.. There's a lot more contact material to wear down on ■ than on +
@vampiremonkeyonspeed4 жыл бұрын
they're quite common for construction here in the UK, but the screwdrivers are not. Between whole screwdrivers and changeable bits, I have dozens of different heads, and yet I still had to pay £25 and wait a week to remove a curtain rail
@shumeister10594 жыл бұрын
@@treborironwolfe978 Phillips cam out easily. I've seen so many striped Phillips heads.
@Ken-xo3gt4 жыл бұрын
The other unmentioned advantage of the Robertson is that the screw will stay on the end of the screwdriver. You can simply fit it to the driver and get into tight and awkward places without first setting the screw.
@HemlockRidge4 жыл бұрын
Um.... magnet headed drivers are made for this.
@kerianhalcon35574 жыл бұрын
@@HemlockRidge a) not the same grab, b) most good Robertsons are magnetic as well.
@servico1004 жыл бұрын
@@HemlockRidge Magnets like Weebles wobble
@nope19064 жыл бұрын
THIS! It doesn't have to be magnetic either.
@HemlockRidge4 жыл бұрын
@@servico100 Wibbly - wobbly - timey - whimey?
@MaryAnnNytowl2 жыл бұрын
This is absolutely fascinating! I thought I knew tools, having had been a semi trailer mechanic for 2½ decades, worked on my own vehicles for 4 decades, and having done woodworking and other DIY for hobbies for at least as long... but I really _had_ never heard of this kind of screw and driver, before! Thanks! I'm pretty much gobsmacked with this information!
@MaxNafeHorsemanship Жыл бұрын
I'm the opposite. I thought everyone had heard of them.
@tinfoilhat384 жыл бұрын
Another good thing to remember about Robertson bits/screwdrivers is that they are colour coded with no.2(red) being by far the most common.
@arthouston73614 жыл бұрын
Robertson made the same mistake that the Wright Brothers made: an attempt to totally control their product. This is paralleled by the wide licensing of the VHS videotape format, versus the Sony attempt to totally control their Betamax format. The result was that VHS became the video industry standard, despite the technological superiority of Betamax. If only Robertson had been able to hear the song by rock band 38 Special..."Hold on loosely."
@JamesThomas-pj2lx4 жыл бұрын
nice.
@deus_ex_machina_4 жыл бұрын
"Despite the technological superiority of Beta" Technology Connections would like a word.
@arthouston73614 жыл бұрын
@@deus_ex_machina_ Not sure where you are thinking of going, but don't.
@blackdog61844 жыл бұрын
Well said 👍
@gord23584 жыл бұрын
Art Houston - Well said. Robertson would have been better off to settle for a small slice of the much bigger pie offered by Henry Ford.
@keithhartman99464 жыл бұрын
I'm trying to get my "round-drive " screw popular, but I can't seem to get any traction
@smoothiegreenburg60654 жыл бұрын
the most hardy har har joke ever typed . i did breath heavily for a second there so not a fail :)
@keithhartman99464 жыл бұрын
@@smoothiegreenburg6065 I'm glad you're okay!
@camforman3 жыл бұрын
@@smoothiegreenburg6065 Joke? The round drive is simply a Phillips that has been used a few times, especially in the dark.
@fknstr3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely hilarious, outstanding. Also the previous poster comparing it with a stripped out Phillips head. I too buy and use Robertson screws and drivers. They truly are to Phillips what Phillips was to flat. I'm from Texas 😅
@rodneydangerfield48353 жыл бұрын
Pun intended ?.
@adreabrooks11 Жыл бұрын
I'm accustomed to learning new things from The History Guy in almost every episode - but the fact that good ol' Robbie heads are little-known outside Canada caught me broadside! They're so ubiquitous here that it never even occurred to me that they might be a local (if you can call 10 million square kilometres "local") phenomenon.
@PatrickTheMick4 жыл бұрын
In 1962 (when I was seven) I remember where I was standing when my elder brother showed my dad in a magazine (Pop Sci or Pop Mech) of the new Phillips head screw & drivers. We were sooo excited to get away from straight-slot! Love the Robertson AKA square tip now.
@frankzeppelin4 жыл бұрын
I'm an American and my first exposure to Robertson screws was when I did construction for my uncle about 20 years ago. At first I thought they looked super weird, but after using them a bit I realized they were better at staying in place and rarely cam out, just as he said. In a way it's too bad that the Phillips is so dominant since most people don't even know there are other options out there.
@thomasanderson64264 жыл бұрын
You'll see it starting to gain popularity in the woodworking community. Soon enough, my friend. Soon enough.
@DmnkRocks4 жыл бұрын
try torx...
@vertigobridge30244 жыл бұрын
@@DmnkRocks I know you meant torx. Absolutely! I love the ones with the self-countersinking head. Never cams out.
@DmnkRocks4 жыл бұрын
@@vertigobridge3024 yep - was a typo - fixed it ;) I'm from Austria, and here in central EU they are slowly replacing the PZ (Pozidriv) Heads, which are a bit better than PH heads.
@berniehayhurst18114 жыл бұрын
...I believe you meant to say"most americans" in lieu of "most people".
@gearyclouthier90084 жыл бұрын
Yep. Robertson has my vote. 👍😎🇨🇦
@Luke-tg9jy4 жыл бұрын
They suck. Strip too easy
@censusgary4 жыл бұрын
You’re Canadian, I presume?
@Dr_Do-Little4 жыл бұрын
Yup! They're the best. When the argument against it is their grip is "too good". The problem is not the screw. It's the driver. 😎
@rodkeays81714 жыл бұрын
I just use them because they work best.
@MetalMasterdom4 жыл бұрын
Once you go torx you never go back.
@marklewus546810 ай бұрын
I know this is a very old video, but I thought I’d comment anyway. I discovered Robertson screws for woodworking 15 years ago. Here in the US they’re known as “square head”, but they are Robertson screws by another name. I always liked the way the driver grasped the screw by friction. I found that Robertson head screws are much less likely to round out than Phillips head. Very interesting story, thanks for telling it.
@GUIRADE954 жыл бұрын
You make the simplest thing into a magnificent story! There's no doubt that you do a great job to teach every one about how history is always present!
@magistrumartium4 жыл бұрын
I was a construction worker for years. Must have driven a million Robertson screws. I can't imagine doing the same kind of work without them. Wait, yes I can: there would be much more cursing.
@sattyre68924 жыл бұрын
yup, I'm with you there. One slip with a philips hurts a lot more then with a Robertson, especially with cordless tools. And Robertson doesn't slip nearly as easily.
@alphagt623 жыл бұрын
I too did my share of commercial construction, (no STD’s), and the Robertson is superior. Early on I worked a job where we were putting up wood trim on metal studs, and we started with these long thin Phillips screws, and I was going through 6 or 8 screw tips a day! Slipping on a tiny 0 size Phillips wore them out quickly. But we switched for square drive screws, and a single screw tip would last 3 days! With much faster production and higher quality. But, when working with machine screws, I find the Allen head works best, due to the ball head Allen wrench. You can drive at an angle and not slip.
@alphagt623 жыл бұрын
Tom H next time you plan a project, don’t even bother to ask anyone the best way to do it, just fuck it up the first time and give up.
@magistrumartium3 жыл бұрын
@@alphagt62 I never worked with those but I suppose they're very convenient to work with. A hexagonal slot is going to grip a screwdriver tip very well.
@magistrumartium3 жыл бұрын
@@alphagt62 Don't be a defeatist. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. Practice makes perfect.
@travisfarrell92224 жыл бұрын
I never thought I’d be glued to a video about the history of screws.
@chrisallan45912 жыл бұрын
Discovered this channel with the Chevy Vega history... and now, with a thoroughly entertaining and informative, 16 minute commentary on 'cheese head' screws... I love this guy!!!
@ericthomsen96444 жыл бұрын
As one who's done work on both sides of the border I had wondered what the story behind the screw differences was. I now know. Good episode!
@AnnainAwe4 жыл бұрын
I’m a lady builder. I discovered the Robertson screws and driver when I was looking to be build a big project and wanted to use screws exclusively. I immediately recognized their design would be better for my personal abilities. Years later I wanted to once again use the square head screws while in Philadelphia. I found it exceedingly difficult to find what I knew would work so well. If I had witnessed your documentary by that time I would’ve ordered what I needed from Canada. Thanks for all you do
@riverraisin14 жыл бұрын
You build Ladies? Awesome! :)
@AnnainAwe4 жыл бұрын
riverraisin1 LOL, I suppose that does sound rather 😆 funny
@AnnainAwe4 жыл бұрын
riverraisin1 At the very least I’m in the process of building one!
@PixiBoii4 жыл бұрын
Torx has taken over Phillips here in Denmark. When you try it you realize how bad phillips are. Many carpenters refuse to use them.
@chrisperkins70674 жыл бұрын
My local hardware store here in the US pretty much gives away Phillips screws now I’ve seen very large commercial sized boxes for $5.00 because no wants to use them.
@mardiffv.87754 жыл бұрын
And Pozidrive screws are also very popular, together with Hex screws. Here in the Netherlands.
@seamusriley35324 жыл бұрын
Yep. Star bits are the choice product here in Wisconsin
@John-lk5su4 жыл бұрын
They are really only efficient for drywall. Phillips are the easiest and fastest to load onto a drill. Since screwing drywall almost never requires much torque Phillips works best. For other applications robertson is much better. Or torx for you none maple boys
@keithbyrne48724 жыл бұрын
Torx and pozi are the best
@awalllen2123 жыл бұрын
In the electrical trade even here in the us you come across a lot of combi head screws between Robertson slotted and Phillips. Every single time I come across one of those screws I pull the Robertson out every time.
@grndslm2 жыл бұрын
Yes!!! The new electrical bits are called Milwaukee ECX bits, but what's interesting is that the square recess inside the ECX screws is actually deeper than the ECX bits themselves... meaning that the square Robertson bit is still the preferred tool for these new ECX screws. 💥
@Beverlys-Hillbilly4 жыл бұрын
Having used both, I'll take the Robertson any day any time.
@williamwinder34664 жыл бұрын
I'm an Electrician and I use them all everyday. I'll use a Robertson screwdriver any chance I can.
@vertigobridge30244 жыл бұрын
I love to use torx, but for drywall I finally started seeing Robertson screws at Home Depot (didn't use that name, but it's the square opening). It's such a pleasure using these. As for the advantage of Phillips for situations where you want to cam out at a certain point, let the drill motor do that. I love that technology is finally working for us. Every time I have to deal with the "regular" or slotted screw head, I appreciate how tough it was for old timers. Glad we don't have to work so hard.
@thumbwarriordx4 жыл бұрын
Being non-canadian I'm gonna have to go with Torx, Though I have used robertson screws in my life. Practically they're almost exactly the same but the Torx bit is always easier to set. Most importantly they're both screws that won't hurt you. If a phillips screw is sticky (which will always happen when set in aluminum for years) the amount of downward pressure it can require isn't safe. Maybe it won't cut you but it's only a half-measure when it comes to not mangling hands.
@davidprimeau33684 жыл бұрын
I also think Robertson is the best, a triangle on the inside might be even better than a square. Stripping would be even harder, in my opinion.
@kellyvcraig4 жыл бұрын
A decade or so back I started buying square drives. They were and are life changing for my woodworking projects. I bought screws, of various sizes, in large quantities for the significant cost savings. For a few dollars more than what a couple hundred cost, I could buy a thousand, so could go far longer between orders. From viewing this article, I came to understand why my first orders were through McFeely's, out of Canada.
@pkz4204 жыл бұрын
There is no debate. Anyone who is familiar with both screw types will tell you the superiority of Robertson.
@InconsistentManner4 жыл бұрын
as someone who has vilified flat or slotted screws all their life. coming across a Robertson screw was like "what the hell is this?" and "Ohh, this is nice." all simultaneously.
@kcgunesq4 жыл бұрын
Sure. Maybe. But Torx beats both.
@pkz4204 жыл бұрын
@@kcgunesq Torx is only good for manufacturing. Torx is not good for manual use with a drill.
@aceroadholder21854 жыл бұрын
@@pkz420 We use Torx headed screws by the bucket full in construction and they're all driven with a drill motor.
@kcgunesq4 жыл бұрын
@@pkz420 That's odd. Because as a homeowner, its just about all I use.
@bcbbc61344 жыл бұрын
American but I love the square drive. With drills that have clutches today no need to worry about over torquing a screw. Square is so much safer.
@johnmctaggart49324 жыл бұрын
The most popular head here is the Red Robbie or the #2 driver or the Green Robbie #1.
@gwpattrick4 жыл бұрын
That all we use in our cabinet shop in Wisconsin is the square drive.
@bbram0004 жыл бұрын
@@gwpattrick When I worked in cabinet shop thats all we used as well, Rob#2 I like it a lot. That being said now days Torx is this way to go.
@dougabbott82614 жыл бұрын
square drive is not the same as Robertson. Square drive does not have the taper.
@HartmutWSager4 жыл бұрын
@@dougabbott8261 And Phillips is not the same as cross-point. Cross-point has sharp inside corners instead of those silly cam-out rounded inside corners. But, Robertson is the best!
@chuchtinit662411 ай бұрын
As an American carpenter’s assistant of seven years (freshman year of high school on), driving Phillips head drywall screws into MDF cabinets with impact drivers for the vast majority of that time, I often use and enjoy the camming function of the Phillips head/bit to gauge tightness and depth. Learning the right amount of pressure is a satisfying accomplishment, but I can’t say whether I’d prefer Phillips over the Roberts head with how little I’ve used the latter. Thanks for the video. I had no idea about the Canadian divide. Love your content.
@elhombremo74044 жыл бұрын
As a woodworker in the US I will inform you that I see Robertson screws and screwdrivers everywhere. Most of the pocket screws I use are Robertson screws. But the best screw and driver combo is the Torx. Because of the gear-like shape and fit, the screwdriver doesn't even have to be straight with the screw to get a grip. The screw can be driven or loosened even if the screwdriver is at a 30 degree angle to the screw.
@barlow29764 жыл бұрын
Yes, Torx are the way to go. In the UK Pozidrive are more popular than Phillips, which I don't see often. Less likely to strip than Phillips, but nowhere near the grip of Torx.
@paulwilliamson23704 жыл бұрын
As a woodworker and retired tradesman in Canada I have always used Robertson when possible. I do agree that the Torx is even better. I only have two complaints with Torx 1/ I had to buy more screwdrivers and sockets. 2/ it is not readily available everywhere.
@denisquenneville80324 жыл бұрын
Robertson FTW hands down. Using them with an impact driver is amazing.
@Joesmoothdog4 жыл бұрын
Just when you thought you knew everything about everything, you discover The History Guy. Then you are humbled.
@emanuelmifsud6754 Жыл бұрын
What amazing research you have done here Sir. My favourite topics are corrosion and wear. They basically are the processes that cost humanity so much money and at times anguish. Maybe do a doco on each as you will definitely enlighten people on how corrosion and wear affects them in so many ways e.g replacing car tyres( wear), replacing rusted car body (corrosion), car scrapped as engine worn out(wear), water tap corroded internally ( corrosion).
@sterling68604 жыл бұрын
When I moved to Canada and came across the roberson ,I thought why has,nt the rest of the world not heard of this brilliant design ,Square drive with a taper so it locks onto the driver no magnetism needed ,and so much cheaper to produce nuff said.
@TheCrazierz3 жыл бұрын
Blame the Canadian guy who gave up and didn't take them anywhere else
@tams8053 жыл бұрын
@@TheCrazierz His name's in the name of the damn screw! And for that laziness I'm not even going to bother debating you.
@TheCrazierz3 жыл бұрын
@@tams805 I know his name, he's still a Canadian guy, that's just a descriptive label, how stupid are you? And what's there to debate? Did you watch the video? He got discouraged by his experience in Europe, so he stop trying outside Canada. So blame him. Dumbass
@accrobody2564 жыл бұрын
I am electrician and Robertson is the best when you need 3 hands !!!
@MikeSmith-wx9xe4 жыл бұрын
We here in New Zealand love the square drive screws. Been used here for years in the building industry. Definitely superior to the Phillips screw.
@RaoulThomas0074 жыл бұрын
Mike Smith What do Blokes use in Australia?
@artmallory9704 жыл бұрын
@@RaoulThomas007 typically phillips screws or nails via a nailgun, I've seen a few Robertson square screws over here, but they're pretty rare...
@Garryck-14 жыл бұрын
@@artmallory970 - Robertson's are getting more common here in Oz, particularly if you're into woodworking or furniture making. Pocket hole joinery especially makes use of them.
@wendychavez53484 жыл бұрын
@S.N. Lee I will happily keep them for you, though I could offer nothing to compare with their home island(s). When I came back from New Zealand, a friend asked what I liked best about it, and the answer was indisputably the people!
@williamchamberlain22634 жыл бұрын
I
@josephalexander38842 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. Thank you. I have seen square drive (Robertson) grow in the US in the past decade. I keep a Robertson 1,2,and 3. In all of my bit sets.
@hamentaschen4 жыл бұрын
Dude! your breadth of topics is awesome!
@georgestreicher2524 жыл бұрын
The History Guy never seems to screw up a story'
@zaraak323i4 жыл бұрын
Accept that bit where he almost said Ohio instead of Ottawa! lol
@danstevens22044 жыл бұрын
Ffs 🙈
@zaraak323i4 жыл бұрын
D'oh! lol
@jamespfp4 жыл бұрын
Yeah an incredibly low number of obvious cuts, but in his defense, he probably wrote every word of the script himself and rehearsed it while doing so.
@bobblum59734 жыл бұрын
I like the pitch he made about the twists of history that caused the Phillips screw to win out over the Robertson. But he left me hanging by a thread, wanting to know how it all turned out for other screw types like cross point and clutch head. All in all a very fastenerating story!
@fumblerooskie4 жыл бұрын
I was expecting a twist at the end.
@paulbennett45484 жыл бұрын
EH, HOoooooooooo
@anonymouscoward75594 жыл бұрын
OH MY...
@HaloInverse4 жыл бұрын
Ironically, the twist was everywhere _but_ a little bit at the end.
@djhudgins84124 жыл бұрын
Underrated comment on this video
@holdemNE14 жыл бұрын
I see what you did there!
@stevecoleman81142 жыл бұрын
Green, Red and Black Robbies...Can't imagine doing the work without them. One handed wonder.
@BenMarvin4 жыл бұрын
Of those big three, Robertson is the superior screw. But overall Torx is the master race.
@johnwade10954 жыл бұрын
TX is more expensive to produce. And it doesn't self center as well as P or Pz
@michaelholderegger6454 жыл бұрын
With torx you can pretty much dive in spinning on a power tool and still not strip it where even skilled Phillips users can occasionally strip a head. Torx is definitely the master race. The only issue I have with them is that it's harder to clean crud out of the head of a screw when it's dirty or painted or my most common, has concrete in it.
@justinkasey10584 жыл бұрын
I was looking for a torx comment! Best screw to avoid cam out!
@flt5284 жыл бұрын
They have their pros and cons. The whole point of Phillips is you can't over-torque it. And Phillips is good for household stuff because a wide range of driver sizes will fit a given screw. I prefer torx but the bit size needs to match the screw almost exactly.
@keithlucas62604 жыл бұрын
@@flt528 ...we use the torx exclusively in the tool and die machine shop industry.