Raihan Olson
The Phillips-head screw, also known as a crosshead screw, was invented by Henry Phillips in the 1930s. Phillips bought the design from Oregon inventor John P. Thompson, who had patented the idea in 1932. Phillips refined the design and founded the Phillips Screw Company to promote it. The Phillips-head screw was created to be used on assembly lines, with its self-centering property making it ideal for use with powered screwdrivers. The Phillips-head screwdriver has a cross-shaped tip that fits into the similarly shaped cross slots of Phillips screws, ensuring a tight fit. This design prevents slipping and allows for a tighter fit than a flat-head screw, making it a popular choice for manufacturers and builders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Phillips-head screw |
| Inventor | John P. Thompson |
| Year of Invention | 1932 |
| Year of Sale to Henry Phillips | 1935 |
| Year of Patent | 1936 |
| Year of Patent Expiry | 1966 |
| Screwdriver Shape | Cross-shaped tip |
| Screwdriver Sizes | 0 to 4 |
| Screwdriver Tip Measurements | 2.5 mm to 6 mm |
| Screwdriver Use | Construction, repair, and manufacturing tasks |
| Screw Sizes | 0 to 24 |
| Screw Use | Small appliances, electronics, furniture, and construction |
What You'll Learn
Phillips head screwdrivers have a range of sizes
Phillips head screwdrivers are available in a range of sizes, from #0000 to #5, though #0 to #4 are the most commonly used sizes for basic household projects. The size of Phillips head screwdrivers is indicated by numbers, not measurements, which can be confusing. The numbers refer to the tip measurements of the screwdriver, which can vary by just half a millimeter.
The #0 Phillips head screwdriver fits screw sizes 0 and 1 and has a 2.5 mm tip. This is often used for small appliances and home electronics. The #1 Phillips driver fits screws 2, 3, and 4 and has a 3 mm tip, which is useful for small projects like crafting kits or jewellery boxes. The #2 Phillips head screwdriver is the most common size, with a 3.5 mm tip, and it fits screws 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. This size is often used for wood screws and light construction work.
The #3 Phillips driver, with a 5 mm tip, is used for larger construction projects, while the #4, with a 6 mm tip, fits screws 18, 20, and 24. The #5 Phillips head screwdriver, with an 8 mm tip, is used for machine screws.
The smaller Phillips head screwdrivers, #0000, #000, and #00, are used for precision work and are not commonly included in standard toolsets.
It's important to use the correct size of Phillips head screwdriver for your project. Using the wrong size can cause the screwdriver to wobble or slip, and it can also damage the screw head, making it more difficult to remove or install.
Joy-Con Screw Size: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
They are used for a variety of tasks, from small appliances to construction
Phillips-head screws and screwdrivers are used for a variety of tasks, from small appliances to construction. The Phillips-head design was created by Henry Phillips in the 1930s and has a cross-shaped tip that fits into the similarly shaped cross slots of Phillips screws, ensuring a tight, self-centering fit. This makes them ideal for tasks that require a firm grip between the screwdriver and the screw.
Phillips-head screwdrivers come in various sizes, ranging from #0000 to #5, with #0 to #4 being the most common for basic household projects. The #0 Phillips-head screwdriver, for instance, is often used in small appliances like coffee makers and home electronics. On the other hand, the #3 Phillips-head screwdriver is commonly used in construction and building projects, such as deck or storage shed building.
The versatility of Phillips-head screwdrivers lies in their ability to accommodate different shaft lengths. Longer shafts can access hard-to-reach areas, while shorter shafts are more suitable for working on small projects or in confined spaces. This makes them a popular choice for both small appliance repairs and construction projects.
The self-centering property of Phillips-head screwdrivers also makes them useful in automated production lines, as they can be used with powered screwdrivers. This was one of the reasons they were adopted by the automobile industry, with General Motors being one of the first customers. The Phillips-head design revolutionized assembly lines and played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution.
Today, Phillips-head screwdrivers are a must-have in any DIY enthusiast's toolbox. They are widely used in construction, electronics assembly, furniture crafting, and even aircraft manufacturing. Their ability to provide a tighter fit than flat-head screws makes them the preferred choice for many manufacturers and builders.
Choosing the Right Screw Size for Your Delta Monitor
You may want to see also
They are designed to be self-centering and prevent slipping
The Phillips-head screw, also known as the "crosshead" screw, was invented by John P. Thompson in 1932 and subsequently patented in 1933. However, the design was sold to Henry Phillips in 1935, who then founded the Phillips Screw Company. Phillips refined the design, making it suitable for industrial manufacturing and promoting its rapid adoption as a machine screw standard.
The Phillips-head screw is characterised by its self-centering property, which is useful in automated production lines that use powered screwdrivers. Its cross-shaped tip fits into the similarly shaped cross slots of Phillips screws, resulting in a tight, self-centering fit. This design prevents the screwdriver from slipping out of the screw's slot, ensuring a secure grip in the centre of the screw.
The self-centering feature of the Phillips-head screw is advantageous in various construction and repair tasks, particularly when a tight fit between the screwdriver and the screw is essential. This design also enhances efficiency in production environments, as it enables ease of assembly and reduces the risk of over-tightening.
To summarise, the Phillips-head screw's self-centering capability and slip prevention are attributed to its unique cross-shaped design, which firmly grips the screw in the centre. This makes it a valuable tool in manufacturing, construction, and repair applications.
Carb Bracket Screw Size: Getting the Right Fit
You may want to see also
They are available in standard sets of five
Phillips-head screwdrivers are available in standard sets of five, ranging in size from #0000 to #4. The #0000 screwdriver has a 1 mm tip, the #000 has a 1.5 mm tip, and the #00 has a 2 mm tip. The #0 Phillips-head screwdriver fits screw sizes 0 and 1 and has a 2.5 mm tip. This small screwdriver is often used for small appliances, like coffee makers, and home electronics such as laptops and game consoles. The #1 Phillips-head screwdriver fits screws 2, 3, and 4 and has a 3 mm tip. This size is commonly used for small projects like crafting kits or jewellery boxes.
The #2 Phillips-head screwdriver is the most common size and is likely to be found in most toolboxes. It fits screw sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 and has a 3.5 mm tip. Wood screws often come in sizes 6 and 8, with 8 being a popular all-purpose screw. The #3 Phillips-head screwdriver is often used in construction and building projects and fits screw sizes 10, 12, 14, and 16. It has a 5 mm tip. The #4 Phillips-head screwdriver has a 6 mm tip and fits screw sizes 18, 20, and 24.
Phillips-head screwdrivers are also available in other sizes, such as #5, which is used for machine screws. Smaller Phillips screwdrivers, like the #0000, #000, and #00, are used for precision work and are not typically included in standard tool sets. The Phillips-head screwdriver was created by Henry Phillips in the 1930s and has a cross-shaped tip that fits into the similarly shaped cross slots of Phillips screws, ensuring a tight, self-centering fit.
The Ultimate Guide to Finger Screw Heads
You may want to see also
Phillips head screwdrivers are also known as crosshead screwdrivers
The Phillips-head screw and screwdriver are also known as the "crosshead" screw and screwdriver. They are named after Henry Frank Phillips, an American businessman from Portland, Oregon, who lived from 1889 to 1958.
Phillips bought the patent for the original design from Oregon inventor John P. Thompson in 1935. Thompson had created a recessed cruciform screw and matching screwdriver in 1932 and patented it in 1933. However, he failed to interest manufacturers in his invention, so he sold the design to Phillips, who formed the Phillips Screw Company in 1934.
Phillips refined the design, creating a recessed cross screw that was designed for efficiency on an auto assembly line. The Phillips-head, or crosshead, screwdriver has a cross-shaped tip that fits into the similarly shaped cross slots of Phillips-head screws. This ensures a tight, self-centering fit. The self-centring property is especially useful on automated production lines that use powered screwdrivers.
Phillips screwdrivers are available in sizes 0 to 4, with 4 being the largest. They are essential for various construction and repair tasks, particularly where a tight fit between the screwdriver and screw is crucial. They are also useful because they do not slip out of the screw's slot, making them valuable tools in manufacturing and construction.
When using a Phillips screwdriver, it is important to match the size of the screwdriver to the screw. The screwdriver's tip should fit snugly into the screw's head without wobbling or slipping. Phillips screwdrivers should only be used for Phillips screws, as they may not fit properly with other types of screws, such as flat head or Torx screws.
Button Head Screwdriver: Essential Tool for Every Homeowner
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A Phillips-head screw is a type of screw with a cross-shaped indentation in its head, designed to be used with a Phillips-head screwdriver. The Phillips-head screw was created by Henry Phillips in the 1930s and is known for its self-centering property, which is useful in manufacturing and construction.
A flat-head screw has a single ridge at its tip that slides into a screw with one slot. On the other hand, a Phillips-head screw has a cross-shaped tip that fits into a screw with a similar cross-shaped slot. This "X" design provides a tighter and more secure fit, making it less likely to slip out of the screw.
The standard sizes of Phillips-head screwdrivers range from #0000 to #4, with #0 to #4 being the most commonly used for basic household projects. The size of the screwdriver is indicated by numbers, and the tip measurements vary from 1 mm to 6 mm.
To select the correct size, match the size of the screwdriver to the screw by ensuring that the screwdriver's tip fits snugly into the screw's head without any wobbling or slipping. It is important to use the right size to avoid damaging the screw or the screwdriver.
