Why are there Phillips and flathead screws?

Why are there Phillips and flathead screws?

The reason for the different styles is cost and torque. Phillips screws are self-centering, making powered screwdrivers possible. They’re somewhat more expensive to produce than slotted-head. They tend to ‘cam-out’ easily under torque, making it hard to apply much torque.

Why would you use a flat head screw?

This screw is more commonly used with machinery, but you will usually find flat-head screws holding book shelf and lighting tracts to the wall or ceiling. They are also used in lighting fixtures and electrical outlets as well as holding hand rails, towel racks and toilet paper holders to the wall.

Why are Phillips head screws so common?

Originally Answered: Why do Philips screwdrivers and corresponding screws even exist? When they slip the trenches of the screws get worn out easily. The phillips head was invented to prevent over-torquing of screws by low-wage factory workers.

What is a flathead screw?

Flat Head Screws, also called Countersunk Screws, are conical with a flat outer face and a tapering inner face. An advantage to this type of screw is that very little of the head protrudes beyond the surface, allowing it to sink into the material. These screws are commonly made out of stainless steel or zinc coating.

What does 8.8 mean on top of a bolt?

The grade 8.8 refers to the tensile strength which is generally 116,000 psi, grade 10.9 is generally 150,000 and grade 12.9 is generally 175,000 psi.

What do you call a nut with a built in washer?

A flange nut is a nut that has a wide flange at one end that acts as an integrated washer. This serves to distribute the pressure of the nut over the part being secured, reducing the chance of damage to the part and making it less likely to loosen as a result of an uneven fastening surface.

Do you have to choose between Phillips and flathead screws?

You do not have to choose between Phillips and flathead screws. To begin with, you don’t have it right. Fasterners have at least three properties, one being drive type and the other being head type and a third being thread type. Head type can be (typical, not comprehensive list) round head, pan head, cap screw, flat head or hex head.

What is it about the Phillips head screw?

For me, the Phillips head screw is one of the biggest improvements in screw design over the last century. It was the first screw design that allowed the bit to self-center which made manufacturing processes exponentially more efficient. It allows me to install faster, strip less often, and allows more torque on installation than flat head screws.

What is the difference between a flathead and Roundhead screw?

Here is a flathead phillips drive wood screw and a flathead phillips machine screw: So as a designer you have multiple choices to make. Flat heads are clearly used for flush appearance and non-protruding fasteners when needed. Round heads look old fashioned and Pan head looks more modern, for non-flush heads.

What are the advantages of using a Philips screwdriver?

Advantages of a Philips or pozidriv screw: Self-centering and self-aligning, easier to use with robot assembly machines. Screwdriver won’t slip out of notch. Screws can sometimes be balanced on the screwdriver for easier starting. Damaged screws can be drilled out since a drill will self-center.