Screw heads demystified

screwheadsinstructable.jpg

We can thank instructables user arcticpenguin for this excellent explanation of cross-head, cross-point, cruciform, and square drive screws and drivers!

These screw types have a "+" shaped recess on the head and are driven by a cross-head screwdriver, designed originally for use with mass-production mechanical screwing machines. There are a few other recessed drive screws presented that you also want to be aware. So, why all the confusion? Why all the damaged screw heads and drivers? Why is this screw and driver thing so awkward? Read on and be amazed while I unravel the mystery of screw drives and present some you may have never seen.



Related:

Recent Entries

Comments

Oldest comments listed first.

Posted by: screaminscott on December 31, 2008 at 12:16 PM

triangle screw head

I'm still looking for that triangular screw head that is used with those free toys you get from fast food restaraunts. My sone loves to play with the ones that use batteries, but of course I can't easily replace the batteries when they run out. I've ruined several jewlers screwdrivers by wedging the a slotted screwdriver blade into the triangular hole.


Posted by: Pauly on December 31, 2008 at 12:52 PM

They can be found

The triangle screwdriver bits can be found. My local Ace hardware stocks a few, but you can find all sizes at http://www.mcmaster.com/. I can't get a direct link to work, but search "triangle screwdriver bits" and a bit down on the page you'll see the bits. Part numbers start with TA.

I also have used these (and ruined tiny slot bits) for opening McD (and similar) toys. They're a good source of LEDs, batteries, and sometimes useful circuits, though they're usually the 'glob of plastic' variety of board, so you use the circuit as intended or not at all.


Leave a comment


Subscribe to MAKE!Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.

$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)

Subscribe now

How-to videos for Makers and Crafers!


Void your warranty, violate a user agreement, fry a circuit, blow a fuse, poke an eye out. Make: The risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things... Welcome to Make: Online!


CRAFT Maker Shed Maker Faire MAKE television
MAKE: en EspaƱol MAKE: Japan

Make: television
Make: television is here! Visit makezine.tv or iTunes to see all the episodes.

Connect with MAKE

Be a MAKE fan on Facebook MAKE on Facebook
Visit our Facebook page and become a fan of MAKE!
MAKE on Twitter MAKE on Twitter
Follow our MAKE tweets!
MAKE Flickr Pool MAKE on Flickr
Join our MAKE Flickr Pool!
    make_tips on Twitter

    MAKE's RSS feed is here.
    Add MAKE to iGoogle - GoogleGoogle.
    How to add MAKE to your RSS reader - Real simple.
    Add MAKE on FriendFeed


    Advertise here with FM.

    Why advertise on MAKE?
    Read what folks are saying about us!

    Click here to advertise on MAKE!

    MAKE wins Treehugger Best of Green Award

    MAKE wins Brit Insurance Design Award

    Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

    Make: Online authors!

    Gareth Branwyn, Chris Connors (guest author), Collin Cunningham, Marc de Vinck, Peter Horvath (intern), Kip Kay, Goli Mohammadi, John Park, Sean Ragan, Becky Stern, Phillip Torrone

    Suggest a Site!

    Current Podcast

    itunesdl.gif Weekend Project: Fire Piston Make your own fire starter that uses compressed air and burns at 500 degrees! Thanks to Bill Gurstelle for showing us this at Maker Faire. To download The Fire Piston MP4 click here or subscribe in iTunes. Pick up... More...

    Get the Make: Online sent via email
    Enter your email to receive Make: Online each day:






    Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!

    Recent Posts from the Craft: Blog