A cross head screwdriver, also referred to as a Phillips screwdriver, is a type of screwdriver with a plus-shaped (-) tip. It is used to drive and remove screws with a cross head, also known as “Phillips head” recessed screws.
While they look similar, they sometimes require a different type of screwdriver than a standard flat-head screwdriver. This type of screwdriver is most common in construction and electronics. Cross head screwdrivers are commonly used to tighten or remove screws on laptops, cellphones, hard drives, and other electronics.
They can also be used to hang pictures on the wall, assemble furniture, and build outdoor decks.
What can I use instead of a cross screwdriver?
If you don’t have a cross (or Phillips) screwdriver, you can use several other tools as a substitute. Depending on the size and type of screw, you can use a flathead screwdriver, a butter knife, or a pair of pliers.
For larger screws, an adjustable wrench, an impact driver, or a screwdriver bit attached to a drill will be more effective. You can also try using a small pry bar for smaller screws. In some cases, a pair of needle-nose pliers or a pocket knife will work as well.
Depending on the task, you may need to use a combination of these tools.
What are the 2 types of screwdrivers?
There are two main types of screwdrivers: flat-blade screwdrivers, also known as traditional or straight-blade screwdrivers, and Phillips-head screwdrivers. Flat-blade screwdrivers have a flat tip that fits into the slot of the screw head and used to turn the screw in a clockwise direction.
Phillips-head screwdrivers have a cross-shaped tip that fits into the slot of the screw head and is used to drive the screw in a counterclockwise direction. Both types of screwdrivers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and are used to drive screws into a variety of materials, such as wood, metal and plastic.
Modern models may include features such as slip-resistant handles and ergonomic grips.
How do you unscrew a tight screw?
Unscrewing a tight screw requires the right technique and tools. If you don’t have the right tools, you can still loosen a tight screw.
First, you should use pliers or an adjustable wrench to hold the screw in place so that it doesn’t turn as you try to unscrew it. If you have an electric drill, you can reverse the drill to unscrew the screw.
Make sure to use a slower speed for greater safety and control.
If the screw is rusted, use penetrating oil like WD-40 to help break it free. Spray the oil onto the screw and wait a few minutes for it to take effect. Then, use the pliers or adjustable wrench to hold the screw and gently unscrew it by hand.
If the screw still won’t budge, use a screwdriver and try to turn it in both directions. This will help break it loose. Once the screw begins to move, turn it in the opposite direction to unscrew it.
It’s also possible to make the screw head bigger. Do this by drilling a larger hole around the head of the screw. This should make the screw big enough to remove with a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench.
Finally, if none of these steps work, you may need to replace the screw. For a replacement, use a screw with a larger head and make sure to use plenty of lubricant when inserting it.
How do you loosen a nut that won’t budge?
If you are dealing with a nut that won’t budge, there are a few steps you can take to loosen it.
First, try tapping the nut with a hammer. This will sometimes cause the nut to vibrate, which can help to loosen it so that you can unscrew it.
If tapping the nut has not worked, you can try to apply some oil or spray lubricant onto the area around the nut. This may help to penetrate and break any surface tension between the nut and the bolt, as well as lubricating the threads, so that you can unscrew the nut more easily.
If that still doesn’t work, you may need to try using a pipe wrench, vice grips, or adjustable wrench to get more leverage to loosen the nut. If you are using a wrench, be sure to hold the metal surface around the nut so that you don’t make any scratches or damage the metal.
In some cases, it may still not be possible to loosen the nut. If this is the case, you may have to resort to using a hacksaw or other cutting tool to cut away the nut, or use a nut splitter which is designed specifically to split a nut that is stuck.
Will wd40 loosen a screw?
Yes, WD-40 can help loosen a screw. It acts as a penetrating lubricant, which means it can work its way into tight spaces and provide a layer of lubrication on the screw threads, breaking the bond between them and making it easier to turn.
Additionally, it can help displace any dirt or grime that’s accumulated on the screws and make it easier to get a good grip. Before using it, make sure to use caution as WD-40 may react with certain types of materials and should not be used with plastic parts.
After loosening the screw, it may help to use a bit of oil or grease to help lubricate the threads and make it easier to remove the screw in the future.
Do you unscrew clockwise or counterclockwise?
In most cases, you will unscrew clockwise. This is because the general rule is that most things are unscrewed in a clockwise direction. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, left-handed screws will typically be unscrewed in a counterclockwise direction, as will right-handed screws that are labeled with a left-handed arrow.
Additionally, wing nuts often need to be unscrewed counterclockwise. To be sure of how to unscrew something, look at which way of turning would be loosening the screw and use that direction.
How do you unscrew Iphone screws without a screwdriver?
The most difficult part of unscrewing an iPhone screw without a screwdriver is ensuring that you don’t strip or damage the screw in the process. It is possible, however, to unscrew an iPhone screw without a screwdriver as long as you have access to the right tools.
One method to unscrew an iPhone screw without a screwdriver is to use a pair of tweezers. If the screw is small enough, you may be able to firmly grasp it with the tweezers and gently turn and loosen it.
If the screw is too small to be grasped by regular tweezers, you may need to invest in precision tweezers which are designed for smaller screws.
Another way to unscrew an iPhone screw without a screwdriver is to use a flathead nail or a paper clip. You can try to put the flathead nail or paper clip into the head of the screw and then turn it to unscrew it.
It is important to be mindful not to bend or break the nail or paper clip while unscrewing the screw.
If you do not have access to tweezers or a flathead nail, you can attempt to unscrew the screw by using a knife. Take a knife, press lightly against the head of the screw, and try to screw it out. It’s important to be careful when using the knife, as the blade may slip and cause injury.
Finally, if you are having trouble unscrewing an iPhone screw with any of the above methods, you may need to use a rubber band, suction cup, or dental floss. Wrap the rubber band, place the suction cup, or gently rub the dental floss around the head of the screw, and use them to loosen the screw.
Although it may take some trial and error, it is possible to unscrew an iPhone screw without a screwdriver. Be sure to take your time, be gentle, and use the right tools, and you should be able to unscrew the screw in no time.
Is a Phillips screwdriver a cross-head?
No, a Phillips screwdriver is not a cross-head screwdriver. Phillips screwdrivers have a cross-shaped tip that sits within a cylindrical-shaped recess on the head of the screw. Cross-head screwdrivers, alternatively, have a square-shaped tip that fits into a square-shaped recess that is located on the head of the screw.
This type of screwdriver is also commonly referred to as a Robertson screwdriver or square-head screwdriver. As such, the two screwdrivers are not interchangeable and the incorrect type may cause damage to the head of the screw.
Where did Phillips head come from?
The Phillips Head screw was invented by Henry F. Phillips in 1933. Initially, Phillips wanted to license the design to companies but after facing some resistance, he founded the Phillips Screw Company to manufacture and distribute the screws himself.
The Phillips Head was an improvement on the traditional slot head screw, as its tapered design used a more finely tapered thread which allowed it to be firmly fixed into place, and made it more resistant to camming out.
The Phillips Head screw was quickly embraced by the automotive industry due to its greater durability and the fact that it could be mass-produced using automation. By the mid-1940s, Phillips screws had become the standard fastener for most automobile manufacturers.
The popularity of the Phillips Head was further boosted when NASA used them in the Apollo program. Today, the Phillips Head is one of the most widely used screws in the world and can be found in almost every corner of the globe.
Which is better flathead or Phillips?
This largely depends on the application. Generally speaking, Phillips-head screws are more common and preferred in home improvement and construction applications. The main benefit of Phillips-head screws is that the bit is self-centering and offers better gripping power, which is why it is so popular.
While Phillips-head screws can be found in a variety of lengths and sizes, they are generally not as strong as flathead screws.
Flathead screws are typically used for more precise applications that require strong, secure fastening. The main advantage of flathead screws is that they provide a stronger shear strength and greater torque, which allows them to hold more weight or pressure.
This makes them great for structural installations, machine assembly, and furniture construction.
Overall, it depends on the type of job and the level of strength needed. For most, Phillips-head screws would be the better choice, but for heavier duty applications, flathead screws may offer superior performance.
What is a Robertson head screw?
A Robertson head screw is named after its inventor, Canadian P. L. Robertson. It is a type of fastener that features a square-shaped socket, which is designed to accept a Robertson (square) drive head.
This allows for greater torque to be applied when using a screwdriver, as there is no slipping of the bit from the screw head and is much less likely to strip the head of the screw. Due to their increased strength and excellent gripping power, Robertson head screws are often preferred over other drive fasteners such as Philips head screws.
They are primarily used in wood working and are often used in items like furniture, cabinetry, outdoor decking, and much more.
When was the Phillips head screw invented?
The Phillips head screw was invented in the 1930s by John P. Thompson and Henry F. Phillips, who worked in the automotive industry and sought to create a screw head that could better withstand the rigors of automatic assembly and use.
The Phillips head quickly replaced the standard slotted head screw and has since become one of the most recognized and widely used screw head designs in the world. The Phillips head screw was officially patented on April 9, 1936 and has since become a standard in automotive, consumer, and industrial applications across the globe.
Why are there so many screw heads?
The use of screws has been around since ancient times. They have been an integral part of everyday life, used in a variety of ways to make things work. As technology and construction projects progressed, screws have become increasingly important.
Today, there are so many different types of screws, each with its own unique head design. This is largely because of the different types of applications for which screws are used, and the different materials available for making screws.
For some projects, such as woodworking or electronics, the screw head must fit into its respective material, so different head styles and shapes can accommodate this.
In addition, the type of screw head used is also critical for the mechanical operation of the screws; for example, Phillips head screws are designed to be driven with a special tool (a Phillips screwdriver) that fits into the head shape, while Slotted-head screws only require a flat-blade screwdriver.
This allows for quicker installation of the screws and more precise tightening, as the screw head is designed to have the right tool inserted into it.
Finally, another factor that contributes to the variety of screw heads available is the popularity of certain designs over others. Some projects, such as home improvement projects, require specialty screws with unique head shapes.
This means that design engineers have come to rely on certain styles of screw heads, which have then become commonplace in the marketplace.
All in all, there are so many types of screw heads available because they are essential for many different types of projects, materials, and applications. From woodworking to electronics to home improvement, screws and their heads are integral tools for success.
Who invented the flat head screwdriver?
The exact inventor of the flat head screwdriver is unknown, though there are a few stories that allude to its origin. One version suggests that it was invented in the mid-1800s by Silvanus P. Thompson, an English professor who wrote a book titled The Wheelwright’s and Joiner’s Assistant which became a popular woodworking manual.
According to the book, he designed the first screwdriver with a flat blade for use in carpentry, and it quickly caught on. Others suggest that the concept for a flat head screwdriver was actually invented by a Millers Falls Company employee, William H.
Porter, in the late 1880s, who improved on existing screwdriver designs to make them more efficient. Regardless of who was the first to invent the flat head screwdriver, it quickly gained popularity in the early 1900s and has been used around the world ever since.
How old are cross head screws?
Cross head screws have been in use for centuries, with the precise origin of their production largely unknown. The most common cross head screws today are those made with a Phillips head or a flat head – both of which were designed in the early 1900s.
Phillips head screws were first invented in 1933 by American inventor Henry F. Phillips, and popularized by the American Screw Company in 1936. The flat head style of screw has also been around since the early 1900s and was commonly used in AC electrical work before Phillips head screws were invented.
Although both types of screws are now widely used, they are not as old as some other styles of screws, such as slotted screws, which have been in use since the 1600s.
Why do they still make flat head screws?
Flat head screws are still often preferred in many applications due to their style and durability. A flat head screw has a countersunk head, which means the top is cut in a flat shape and is designed to fit flush or slightly below the material surface.
This allows the installed screw to be low profile and aesthetically pleasing, perfect for applications that require a seamless surface, such as furniture or cabinetry.
The shape of flat head screws also gives them superior locking strength, which means that they hold more tightly than other screws. This makes them a great choice for use in areas where vibration or torque can loosen a screw over time, such as in engines or machinery.
The flat head shape also allows for more contact with the material, which gives more support and reduces the likelihood of the material being stripped when installing or removing the screw.
Overall, flat head screws are still very useful and practical for many types of applications, whether it’s for their aesthetic appeal or superior locking strength or any other reason.
What are the star-shaped screws called?
The star-shaped screws are technically referred to as Torx screws. The term Torx comes from their original inventor, Camcar Textron, who developed the screw in 1967. They are also sometimes referred to as star-head screws, star drills, or star drive screws.
Torx screws have a six-pointed star shape on their head, which is designed to be used in conjunction with a special tool known as a Torx wrench, also sometimes referred to as star keys. This special design provides more torque and rotational power than a standard flathead or Philips screwdriver, making them useful in many applications and objects such as automobiles, computers, household appliances, and even the U. S.
military.
