Square drive screwdriver

For off-topic posts only (i.e. non 356 related content). No politics, religion or obscenity. Play nice!
Post Reply
Message
Author
User avatar
Daryl Bruhl
356 Fan
Posts: 104
Joined: Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:55 am
Location: Grand Terrace, CA

Square drive screwdriver

#1 Post by Daryl Bruhl »

Came across a square drive screwdriver that is stamped 'for screws 8-9 W-Germany'. I have owned my 63 super 90 for 19 years and a couple early VW's and don't recall ever seeing any square drive screws on these cars. Any one have a clue? Maybe just a hardware store tool for the more finished look a square or hex head gives. Enjoy 63 super 90 sunny SoCal
100_1717.JPG
100_1717.JPG (373.71 KiB) Viewed 1247 times
Daryl Bruhl

David Pateman
356 Fan
Posts: 151
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2016 9:36 pm
Location: Canada

Re: Square drive screwdriver

#2 Post by David Pateman »

That is known as a Robertson bit; invented by a Canadian IIRC. Not used much in the USA or ROW due to not being invented there. Resists head strip out much better than most heads. I have never seen them used on cars.
Contact for Kardex

Michael Foster
356 Fan
Posts: 338
Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:14 pm

Re: Square drive screwdriver

#3 Post by Michael Foster »

used in the original front wheel drive gmc motorhomes. Mostly in the cabinetry and windows etc.,


Michael Foster
MICHAEL FOSTER

User avatar
Jack Walter
356 Fan
Posts: 403
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 9:36 pm

Re: Square drive screwdriver

#4 Post by Jack Walter »

We had a mid-sixties Chevy Step Van that had Robertson head screws all over the interior and dash area - that was the first time I remember seeing them.

Erik Thomas
356 Fan
Posts: 403
Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2010 4:55 pm
Location: Rhode Island

Re: Square drive screwdriver

#5 Post by Erik Thomas »

Robertson screws were used on Model T Fords made in Canada at one time. Ford was too cheap to pay licence fees to use in the USA. This head style has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity recently. Contractors use them for decking screws, as they work well with screw guns.

Philips head screws were used for aircraft assembly during WWII more to prevent over torquing. - where the Roberson pattern is better for high torque applications.

Post Reply