If the screws are in a tough material or the hole is recessed or for general purpose I prefer the square drive. But I agree with Chuck that the phillips head looks so much nicer if viewed.
I haven't tried any combo, though. That may look more reasonable.
OSH here in Huntington Beach does have sq drive in larger sizes. Otherwise, +1 for McFeely's.
Speaking of which, I had to replace a good portion of an oak threshold this year and I found long (6 in.) hex drive Timberlok screws on McFeely's. The bright thing is they have a distribution warehouse in SoCal so I get my orders next day - once, the same day.
Forrest
Forrest
Huntington Beach, CA
1985 500->510->520, bandsaw, jointer, planer, PowerPro, double-tilt, 3" casters,(now obsolete) speed increaser
Robertson all the way (of course I'm Canadian). I don't mind the look of the heads so much. Phillips heads are a little nicer looking but the big gouge beside them where the driver slipped out kind of cancels that out.
As mentioned before, one great advantage is that you can stick one on the end of your driver and poke it into a tight space without dropping it.
Paul M
Paul M ........ The early bird gets the worm but the second mouse gets the cheese
I'm coming to the conclusion that I don't know "Jack ----" about wood screws other than the old fashioned stuff. (but not so old fashioned as to go back to slotted heads [flat bladed drive]):eek: .
Octogenarian's have an earned right to be a curmudgeon.
Chuck in Lancaster, CA
flat bladed screws. Ahh yes, i seem to remember a lot of dings in some otherwise beautiful wood. As the saying goes; "Been there done that" not going back.
F. Jim Parks
Lakewood, Colorado:)
When the love of power is replaced by the power of love the world will have a chance for survival.
But just like many other tools, 'Using the correct tool for the job at hand almost always yields better results'. This is especially true of flat bladed screw drivers. If the blade does not fill the slot, it is hard to keep it in the slot.
If using a phillips screw driver, the same applies. Correct size is all important.
Maybe the forum needs a new category. "Proper Care and Use of Tools"
"Making Sawdust Safely" Dusty
Sent from my Dell XPS using Firefox.
I think the real secret is a excellent driver that properly sixed to fits the hole be it square or phillips. And excellent screws.
If either is off you will have problems and if both are off you will have junk.
I think Mcfeely has probably the best screws and bits. They seem to be consistant in what they make and sell. Kreg screws seem to also be consistent. But some of the off brands I have tried have tried my patience.
I like the square holes because they seem to stay on the bit for one handed driving.
Some of the cabinet shops suppliers sell really high quality screws and driver bits I don't know the names but if you can buy from a cabinet shop supplier you will probably get a quality also.
[quote="shipwright"]Robertson all the way (of course I'm Canadian). I don't mind the look of the heads so much. Phillips heads are a little nicer looking but the big gouge beside them where the driver slipped out kind of cancels that out.
Paul M[/QUOTE
I just did a search on Robertson drive screws(I was not aware of Robertson screws). My question is, are Robertson & Square drive drivers interchangeable?
I have tried other square drive screws and no happier with them than Phillips/Reed & Prince. Got a sample pack from McFeely's about 6 years ago and I use them almost exclusively. Bits are good quality and fit nicely, screws go in the first time and hold for a very long time. Used their No-Corrode #8's to attach the framework for aluminum soffits. Have endured small tropical storms, but we haven't tested it in a hurricane yet. This may be the year as they are lining up across the Atlantic. We're going to see soon.
Steve, the old Florida gator
I just love it when she says I can go make sawdust.
Stumpbuster. Robertson screws were invented in Milton, Ontario in 1908 and yes Robertson and square drive screws are the same, alot of other people are making them now since the patent ended in 1964. Henry Ford was using them in his model T's and wanted to produce them in the States, and Robertson said no, so Henry being the entrepeneur that he was went out looking for a replacement and he met a man by the name of Phillips who agreed to allow Henry to use them. Loss of opportunity for Robertson. They had the better product and lost.
Sounds familiar? Sony VCR's had the best system out there Beta, they made a similar decision and look at their loss Video cassettes were never the same, and Sony lost big time.
Lesson: just because you have the best product out there doesn't mean you will meet with success. and that is today's history lesson one and all.
Mark V 520,Mark V 510(2),Mark V 500(2) Dust Collector(2), Jointer(2), bandsaw(2), jigsaw, beltsander, biscuit joiner(2) Lathe Duplicator, RingMaster, Pro planer
(but not so old fashioned as to go back to slotted heads [flat bladed drive]):eek: .
