A history of different screw drives

m.instructables.com

32 points·ComputerGuru··7 comments

As a Canadian I just finally learned the real difference between a true Robertson and a "Square Drive". No wonder I keep stripping so many bits! Fascinating!

See: Step 6: Square Drive

What great timing, I was just looking up screw drivers this morning! I now know what to curse camout when I try and remove a over tightened screw. Looking for a good tool though makes me realize why my dad would get so angry when one was misplaced they aren't cheap. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=645237&group... I'll probably end up getting a ratcheting driver and the interchangeable bits.

Especially so if he had Snap-On tools!

The manual-drive one you linked is nice for the hex on the shank, but my favorite is this ratcheting version because it allows the shank to be extended with normal 1/4" extensions. If you have the opportunity to try one and feel the ratchet action it becomes obvious why they are so much better than the cheap sets you can buy at the hardware store: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_...

If you want the cadillac of drivers, check out PB Swiss. They even have their own individual serial numbers.

+1 to ratcheting drivers, they're great

Once I discovered Torx, I never looked back. To me they seem superior to all of the alternatives, except for availability and assortment of screws. Are there any disadvantages I'm missing (besides cost, which isn't inherent)?

LOX looks really interesting to me. Might consider using those when I redo my deck this summer.

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