Screw Source

John S · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 11:23 pm Post subject: Screw Source

Hello,

I just found a great source for the square drive screws all over my boat, like the ones that have popped some heads on the window frames.

A company named McFeely's at www.mcfeelys.com claims to be the "the sqaure drive screw authority" these screws all over my other boat too, a Harbercraft.

I've had trouble finding a good source and wanted to pass it along.

John

thataway · Posted: Wed Dec 20, 2006 11:30 pm Post subject:

The screws which have a square recess are called "Robertson" screws. They were invented in 1906 and patented in 1909. They are used frequently in RV's--as well as in boats which are made in assembly lines.

John S · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 1:38 am Post subject:

Bob,

Interesting, I wonder why the automotive industry is having a love affair with torx drive screws, while RV and boat builders are attached to their Robertson's.

John

Big Bad Ben · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 9:46 am Post subject:

McFeely's has a great catalog and great service. And very high quality products. I have been a satisfied customer for more than a decade.

thataway · Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2006 8:40 pm Post subject:

There is more surface area on the Torx drive screw/driver mating surface--and these are put into metal, where I suspect that they are torqued to a spec. The Robertson drive heads are a little sloppier and one can strip them more easily than a Torx, but not as easily as a phillips or straight blade.

Jimbo · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 1:08 am Post subject:

Not sure of all the details but the Robertson screw was invented in Canada and when the inventor tried to expand into the States there was a guy named Phillips that was starting up a screw business. It got very political and even got to the upper stages of the US goverment. Robertson never got his approval to sell into the States hence you guys down there have to suffer with Phillips screws. Sad

There was a really good documentary on our Canadian Brodcasting Corp. TV channel that showed the whole history of the Robertson screw.
Tnx, Jimbo

jimmydj · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 11:45 am Post subject: SCREWS

http://www.adwizards.com/ambolt/

pres. american bolt co.

tom cat owner

John S · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 5:01 pm Post subject:

Jimmy looked around, I didn't see any pan, square, stainless available. Maybe I just wasn't looking in the right place.

John