> I have no idea why on earth we still have slotted engineering screws with a cheeky short cylinder on the end to aid initial contact, to hold electrical facepl

> I have no idea why on earth we still have slotted engineering screws with a cheeky short cylinder on the end to aid initial contact, to hold electrical faceplates onto back boxes. I would assume that it's because in areas where it's possible for the head of the screw to get "gunked up" with paint or dirt, that a slotted head is easiest to scrape away the material and restore function. You generally don't need any special tools for this -- you can use the screwdriver already in your hand. I noticed this feature when watching some wooden boatbuilding channels that specifically use slotted head screws in places where the fasteners are recessed in the wood and will be filled and sealed with wood plugs. The slotted screws can be cleaned out later if repairs need to be made.