What's The Point Of Slot-Head Screws?

[JBR]

I can see all the advantages quoted for slot-head screws, but the problem of slipping still holds.

Would it be very difficult to add some means of keeping the (flat-blade) screwdriver in place, perhaps a raised flange all around the periphery? It needn't be particularly deep or thick.

 

[ladylola]

I can see all the advantages quoted for slot-head screws, but the problem of slipping still holds.

Would it be very difficult to add some means of keeping the (flat-blade) screwdriver in place, perhaps a raised flange all around the periphery? It needn't be particularly deep or thick.

Somewhere in my workshop I have some screws that are slotted but the slot doesn't extend to the edge of the screw head which sounds like the sort of thing you are talking about.
I'll agree with the comments on here about slotted being easier to remove and looking better too and just add that the drivers are capable of being reground and extending their life , not so easy to do with pozi or philips. Mind I've got several that were broken or worn and have now reground them into slotted screwdrivers.
Oh and one other thing , have you tried opening a tin of paint with a pozi driver?

 

[Harbourwoodwork]

A good selection of well fitting cabinet screwdrivers that have been filed to fit the slots, all part of the art of being a carpenter ,I should think at least 30 -40 different sizes should do it

 

[libby lou lou]

Pozi-drive and Philips were two different screwdrivers? no?Can't really think..Deeper cut in the screw head ?

 

[JBR]

I can see all the advantages quoted for slot-head screws, but the problem of slipping still holds.

Would it be very difficult to add some means of keeping the (flat-blade) screwdriver in place, perhaps a raised flange all around the periphery? It needn't be particularly deep or thick.

Somewhere in my workshop I have some screws that are slotted but the slot doesn't extend to the edge of the screw head which sounds like the sort of thing you are talking about.

That's a shame. I was hoping I'd just thought up the idea, could patent it and become a millionaire!

 

[gasbanni]

In cabinet work pozis look s4ite !

 

[Scoby_Beasley]

In cabinet work pozis look s4ite !

but they look cool with a little plastic hat on!!

 

[Mikefromlondon]

TBH, if it wasn't for the slotted screws, that enabled us to bring about industrial revolution, we wouldn't be seeing any cross heads today, besides most precision screws are slot heads in any piece of highly intricate equipment such as watches, gas multifunctional valves, and you name it its still very popular, but understandable not in DIY world as we are too lazy to screw things up with our wrists and tend to use screwdriver drills.

 

[cajar]

Think it was philips that brought about the ability to mechanically assemble goods, not slot heads because they dont cam out.

 

[dhutch]

Pozi-drive and Philips were two different screwdrivers? no?Can't really think..Deeper cut in the screw head ?

See my post on page one.
- They are most certainly not interchangable.

Daniel

 

[pred]

Most odd, when i did my trade training the flat screwdriver was referred to as a "sawdruff" alas i can find no mention on google or jeeves, i will add however that the screws we get today are different, i got a much better screw in the 60's, the difference is they are now made cheaply in China (get your mind out of the gutter please) , the vertical slot was deeper compared to the horizontal slot which i think is to shallow and doesn't hold the tool properly letting it slip out, it's all down to the machining.

Also helps if you use a bench grinder to make the tip of your screw driver parallel.

 

[polesapart]

The shape of a traditional slotted screw pre-dates machined metal parts. Nobody made them that way because they were better but because that was they way they could.

 

[peterperfection]

Use a proper size screwdriver.
i have had more trouble getting tight posi and philips out than have every had with slots

You need to dump the pozis and phillips x headed screws.

I did 15 years ago- and these days-- I always use 'ASSY SCREWS' From Winzer Wurth'.
I can put a 4'' x12 screw straight into Braz mahogany first time- every time . And that is without a pilot hole' !!
Also I can take that screw out easy peasy--EVERY TIME.

Yes- they cost more- but the time and aggravation saved - makes them well worth it .

 

[JBR]

I find screws with hexagonal openings (as for Allen keys) provide a very definite contact when using an electric drill/driver.

Incidentally, I found it interesting when I discovered (a long time ago, I should add) that the original screws were designed only to be unscrewed! They were inserted by being hit with a hammer and the thread and cross head was there just for the convenience of removal. From that came the slang name 'Birmingham screwdriver' = hammer.

 

[peterperfection]

I find screws with hexagonal openings (as for Allen keys) provide a very definite contact when using an electric drill/driver.

Incidentally, I found it interesting when I discovered (a long time ago, I should add) that the original screws were designed only to be unscrewed! They were inserted by being hit with a hammer and the thread and cross head was there just for the convenience of removal. From that came the slang name 'Birmingham screwdriver' = hammer.

A hammer has always known as a Manchester screwdriver .