A History of Screwdrivers?

posted in: history, quirky, technology 4

Screwdrivers, really? Yes, really. This is one of most interesting short videos I’ve seen in a long time. The History Guy takes on “Robertson, Phillips, and the History of the Screwdriver,” and if that sounds like a snoozer, trust me, it’s a fascinating take on invention, powerful personalities, world history, and why the heck most of us have Phillips-head screwdrivers (and screws) instead of the easier-to-use square-socket (Robertson) screwdriver that apparently is common in Canada. Those darn Canadians have beaten us again!

Humor me and watch this. I think you’ll enjoy it.

4 Responses

  1. David Bosboom
    | Reply

    So internationally, Phillips was successfully screwing away while the Robertson version only got the shaft. I found the video riveting. 😉

    • jeffreyacarver
      | Reply

      Hah! 🙂

  2. ted
    | Reply

    If you go to the hardware store and buy a screwdriver with an assortment of bits, you get the square, phillips, slotted, and several other drivers. My favorite is the torx, which is used for a lot of present day screws in home building construction. Every box of deck screws I have ever bought are torx and they include a torx bit.

    • jeffreyacarver
      | Reply

      I hate the torx, because I can never find the bit when I need it. Or if I do, it’s the wrong size. Works fine once I’ve finally found it. My favorite is the Deckmate (I think that’s the brand), which is a combination square/Phillips. You can use a regular Phillips driver if you need to, i.e., if you can’t find your combination bit.

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