4 ms·
The Robertson (square-socket) screw was patented. Robertson's refusal to license the patents to Henry Ford is one reason it never became popular in the U.S. Y
by mbrubeck 16y ago
The Robertson (square-socket) screw was patented. Robertson's refusal to license the patents to Henry Ford is one reason it never became popular in the U.S. You can find find them in Canada, however:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives#Robertson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives#Robertson
- aroberge 16y agoIt's unfortunate that they did not become popular in the U.S. as they work much better than the Phillips ones: if you pick the right size (3 are standard), the screwdriver never slips, unlike what can happen with the Phillips one.
- vl 16y agoPhillips was specifically designed to slip on high torque - precise torque tools where not wide-spread at the time and it was intended to prevent threading.
- Vivtek 16y agoThey are now de rigeur in construction applications in the US - use a motor on a Phillips head, and no matter how careful you are, you'll strip your bit sooner or later. Square bits are way more durable, and don't destroy the screws as easily. Silly Robertson.