The main difference between a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver is in the shape of the tip. Flat head screwdrivers have a relatively flat tip that is typically structured in a rectangular or semi-circle shape, while Phillips screwdrivers have a cross-shaped tip.
This different tip shape provides more torque with a Phillips screwdriver, making it easier to tighten and loosen screws that have a Phillips head. However, flat head screwdrivers may be easier to use in tight spaces, as the blade is typically thinner than that of a Phillips screwdriver.
Additionally, flat head screwdrivers are also capable of providing torque and can be used to tighten and loosen some Phillips head screws, although the result is usually not as tight as using a Phillips screwdriver.
What does a flat head screwdriver look like?
A flat head screwdriver is a type of tool used to turn and loosen or tighten screws. It has a long, flat metal tip and a handle, typically made of metal, plastic, or wood. The flat head has a slotted head, which is designed to fit into the head of most standard screws.
It is often referred to as a slotted screwdriver or a common screwdriver. Generally, flat head screwdrivers come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate different types of screws. The metal part of the screwdriver can range from 1 to 10 inches in length and the size of the tip can also vary among sizes.
The handle can be round, oval, or ergonomic for comfort. Depending on the desired use and implementation, some flat head screwdrivers come equipped with magnetic tips to make it easier to work with metal screws.
What are the 3 types of screwdriver?
The three most common types of screwdrivers are flathead, Phillips, and Torx screwdrivers.
Flathead screwdrivers have a single straight blade design and are typically available in sizes ranging from small precision slotted screwdrivers to large cabinet varieties. They are commonly used in furniture assembly and other woodworking projects.
Phillips screwdrivers have a cross-shaped head with four points. They are often used in electronics repair, automotive repair, and other household tasks. Phillips screwdrivers come in many different sizes, including larger sizes for heavier duty jobs.
Torx screwdrivers have a star-shaped head and are commonly used in the automotive and computer industries. They are designed for better torque and less cam-out, meaning that the head is less likely to strip when turning the screw.
Torx screwdrivers are available in several sizes, from tiny precision sizes to large heavy-duty models.
What is another name for Phillips head screwdriver?
The Phillips head screwdriver is also commonly known as a Cross Head screwdriver. This type of screwdriver is designed to drive slotted screws which are U-shaped on top. The Phillips head screwdriver is recognized by its four points which form an X shape on its head.
It should not be confused with Pozidriv or Robertson screwdrivers, other commonly used screwdrivers.
Is a cross head screwdriver the same as a Phillips screwdriver?
No, a crosshead screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver are not the same type of tool. A crosshead screwdriver (also known as a flat head, slot head, slotted screwdriver, or a straight screwdriver) has a flat tip or a slot that fits into a slot or groove in a screw.
A Phillips screwdriver has a cross-shaped tip that fits into a cross-shaped recess in a screw. While they may look similar, they are not the same type of tool and the tips of the screwdrivers will not fit in the slots of the other type of screw.
What is a six sided screw head called?
A six sided screw head is known as a hex head. Hex heads are recognizable by their six flat sides that form an hexagonal shape. They often have a drive shape (an indentation in the center) that is formed to allow a screwdriver to grip the head and be used to drive the screw into place.
Hex head screws come in different sizes and lengths and are commonly used in machine repair and other commercial construction applications. Hex heads are strong and durable and are great for use in high-torque applications.
Why is there flat head and Phillips?
Flat head and Phillips screws were developed as a way to improve upon traditional wood screws. Flat head screws have a flat head at the top that allows them to be driven into materials without drilling a pilot hole.
The head of the screw also has a slight angle so that it seats flush in the material it is being driven into, making it ideal for use in applications such as furniture and cabinet making where a smooth finish is desired.
Phillips screws on the other hand, have a cross head design, with several small indents across the head of the screw. This design makes it easier to drive the screw into harder materials, preventing slipping in the screwdriver with a better contact area.
Phillips screws have become much more popular in more recent times due to their versatility, making them a popular choice in applications requiring more precise fastening.
Where did Phillips head come from?
Phillips head screws and screwdrivers were invented in the early 1900s by an American inventor named Henry F. Phillips. The original patent was issued in 1932 and was later improved upon in 1936. Phillips head screws are now the predominant screw head in the United States, but this was not always the case.
Prior to their invention, many different types of screws were used by different trades. The Phillips head has joined in popularity with the Robertson head screw, which was developed in Canada in 1908.
The Phillips head is easy to recognize with its cross-shaped slot which is designed to reduce cam-out, the tendency of a screwdriver to slip out of a screw head, as it is tightened. The angle of the slot and the rounded corners at the bottom of the slot allows the screwdriver to self-center and provides an increased contact area between the screwdriver and the screw.
The Phillips head is ideal for production-line assembly, where a high-vibration environment is present and a wide range of torque is required.
Phillips head screws remain popular thanks to their versatility, effectiveness and affordability. Phillips head screws are used for all sorts of applications, from industrial machinery, to toys and household objects.
They can be used for almost every type of material, from plastic to metal, and remain a popular choice for DIYers, as well as professional contractors.
Is Posidrive same as Phillips?
No, Posidrive is not the same as Phillips. Posidrive is a brand of fasteners created by the German company, Wurth-Langer, while Phillips is a fastener brand created by the American company, Phillips Screw Company.
Both brands produce similar fasteners, including screws, but the products themselves are not interchangeable. Posidrive fasteners are designed to have a deep internal recess and require a special screwdriver or bit to install or remove them.
This design helps prevent over-torquing and slipping that can occur with Phillips fasteners. Posidrive is also known for its ability to better resist corrosion and make a corrosion-resistant connection that can last for decades.
