If you’ve ever worked with Phillips head screws, then you know that a Phillips head screwdriver is an essential tool for any toolkit. But what exactly is a Phillips head screwdriver, who invented it, and what is it used for? Let’s dive into the world of Phillips head screwdrivers and learn more about their design, uses, and history.
What is a Phillips head screwdriver?
A Phillips head screwdriver is a tool that is specifically designed to fit into the cross-shaped recess on the head of a Phillips head screw. The screwdriver has a tip that is tapered and slightly rounded to match the shape of the screw’s recess, allowing for a secure fit and easy turning of the screw.
Who invented the Phillips head screwdriver?
The Phillips screw and driver were first patented by John P. Thompson in 1933. Thompson was an engineer and inventor from Portland, Oregon, who recognized the need for a better screw and screwdriver design that could speed up manufacturing processes and improve efficiency.
Thompson’s design for the Phillips screw featured a cross-shaped recess on the head of the screw that allowed for greater torque to be applied during installation and removal. The Phillips screwdriver was specifically designed to fit this recess, with a tapered and slightly rounded tip that matched the shape of the recess and allowed for a secure fit and easy turning of the screw.
The Phillips screw and driver quickly gained popularity and were adopted by many industries as the preferred screw and screwdriver type. The design allowed for faster production and assembly times, and the increased torque made it easier to install and remove screws than other types of screws and drivers.
Today, the Phillips screw and driver remain a staple in every toolbox and are used in a wide range of applications, from electronics and appliances to automotive and construction projects. Their design has been refined over the years, with various sizes and styles available to suit different screw types and applications.
When was the Phillips head screwdriver invented?
The Phillips head screwdriver was invented in the 1930s, around the same time as the Phillips head screw. This new design quickly gained popularity and was soon adopted by many industries as a preferred screw and screwdriver type.
What does a Phillips head screwdriver look like?
A Phillips head screwdriver has a tip that is tapered and slightly rounded, with four wings that are tapered towards the center. The tip corresponds to the shape of the recess on the head of a Phillips head screw, allowing for a snug fit and easy turning of the screw.
What is a Phillips head screwdriver used for?
Phillips head screwdrivers are used to turn Phillips head screws, which are commonly found in a wide range of applications, from electronics and appliances to automotive and construction projects. The design of the Phillips head screwdriver allows for greater torque to be applied to the screw, making it easier to install and remove than other types of screws.
Phillips head screwdriver size
Phillips head screwdrivers come in a range of sizes, with each size corresponding to a specific size of Phillips head screw. The most common sizes are numbered from 0 to 4, with 0 being the smallest and 4 being the largest. It’s important to use the correct size Phillips head screwdriver for the screw being turned, as using the wrong size can damage the screw head and make it difficult or impossible to turn.
In conclusion, the Phillips head screwdriver is a crucial tool for any toolkit and is specifically designed to work with the popular Phillips head screw. Its tapered and rounded tip allows for a snug fit and easy turning of the screw, and its design allows for greater torque to be applied than other screwdriver types. With a range of sizes available, there is a Phillips head screwdriver to fit any Phillips head screw.
