Robertson, Phillips, and the History of the Screwdriver

[sl8]

Robertson, Phillips, and the History of the Screwdriver

The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered

Published on Nov 18, 2019

Most everyone owns at least one screwdriver. But Canadians likely own a screwdriver that few outside Canada would recognize. The differing fates of the Robertson and the Phillips head screwdrivers demonstrates that innovation is intimately tied to historical events. The History Guy remembers the forgotten history of the screwdriver.

This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram

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[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. On occasion, I've been known to be a Reed and Prince kind of a guy, if you know what I mean. NT

Reed and Prince

[sl8]

8. I used to carry a couple of Reed & Prince screwdrivers in my toolbag.

I may have used them on Phillips screws, once or twice.

[tblue37]

2. Very interesting. K&R. nt

[MyOwnPeace]

3. Well, screw you!

Great post, thanks!

[FailureToCommunicate]

4. Here's a handy illustration...

Screws, like humans, come in wide variety of shapes and sizes:

[sl8]

9. Excellent, thanks for posting. n/t

[Brother Buzz]

5. I'll be damned. When the square drive arrived in my world an old geezer called it the Roberts tip

I just assumed he was riffing on the Phillips tip, and having a little fun, gave it another given name. I liked it, and continued to use it. And now I learn it is a surname; it may take some time before Robertson rolls off my tongue.

[trof]

6. Thanks. Like these.

[Doc_Technical]

7. I'll have a Phillip's Screwdriver;

Milk of Magnesia and Vodka

[sl8]

10. Can't say as I've ever had the pleasure.

Catchy name, though.

I have used Kaopectate as chaser, as a callow youth (yute?)

I wasn't too bright back then.