Thread: Square Drive Screws.....again

Originally Posted by Dan

Went down to the local Mitre 10 today to get some screws and found they are now stocking the type with the square drive head. Seeing as there was no alternative I got a pack (driver bit included) and headed home to see what all the fuss was about (I've read plenty about them here). I'm dissapointed to say that the brand I got must be a very poor imitation of the original Robertson design, so poor as to be almost unusable.
Are square drive screws common in stores around the country or is it just the local bloke trying something new?

I think you will find that the hardware variety is crap as the walls of the recess are parralel where the Robertson have a slight taper on them.
Please dont think they are a bad idea based on this crap replica.
Buy a small test pack and try them for yourself

Ross

Yes, get a $5 test pack from Sachys Robertson in Melbourne: http://www.sachys-robertson.com.au/specials.html

I use them exclusively and they are top notch.

You can also get the Sachys Roberston screws from Timbecon if you happen to be ordering anything from them.

Originally Posted by Dan

Went down to the local Mitre 10 today to get some screws and found they are now stocking the type with the square drive head. Seeing as there was no alternative I got a pack (driver bit included) and headed home to see what all the fuss was about (I've read plenty about them here). I'm dissapointed to say that the brand I got must be a very poor imitation of the original Robertson design, so poor as to be almost unusable.
Are square drive screws common in stores around the country or is it just the local bloke trying something new?

Yes. Some M10 stores have been stocking a limited range of square drive screws for a while now. I have 2 sizes bought there in my kit. I've used about 150 without the slightest problem.
Crappy Chinese driver bits can be a problem. I twisted the ends off a couple, but I now use only the Robinson drivers.
Square drive screws are now my standard and I have in my kit a large range bought from Timbecon. In an occasional small gauge zinc plated screw the ZP seems to have partly filled the square socket. Nothing major.
Would not want to go back to Phillips head.

Kind regards
Brian

Originally Posted by Wizened of Oz

Crappy Chinese driver bits can be a problem.

You may have something there. I modified the bit that came with the screws this morning and things are much better. It looks like the bit is a tad too large for the screw (or maybe the screws are too small), anyway, a touch on the grinder and all is well. Not a very elegant solution but a reasonable result.

As for ordering the Sachys trial pack, well I suppose I could but mail ordering something so simple seems like a bit of a pain, and you're bound to run out half way though a project and....

Originally Posted by Dan

and you're bound to run out half way though a project and....

Ah let me think........thats it!......Order a bigger pack.

Thanks for bringing the subject up, I'm low on screws and have been thinking about the SR screws for a while now. I"ve been paying twice the price of the SR screws for Philips head screws at the local Mitre10.

silentC,

Thanks for the tip (and the link). I've decided to order the "Introductory Pack" (500 screws plus drivers/bits) to give the Rorbertson drive screws a go.

Chris

Originally Posted by Wizened of Oz

Yes. Some M10 stores have been stocking a limited range of square drive screws for a while now. I have 2 sizes bought there in my kit. I've used about 150 without the slightest problem.
Crappy Chinese driver bits can be a problem. I twisted the ends off a couple, but I now use only the Robinson drivers.
Square drive screws are now my standard and I have in my kit a large range bought from Timbecon. In an occasional small gauge zinc plated screw the ZP seems to have partly filled the square socket. Nothing major.
Would not want to go back to Phillips head.

Kind regards
Brian

Brian`s spot on. The M10 ones are good, its the bit thats supplied thats rubbish. Iv been using them wnen i run out of sachys and they work just fine just a bit pricey thats the only downside

Dan

I've used over 1000 of the Robertson screws in the last few years in face frames, frame repairs and strengthening with great results. I've used both the Kreg's and McFeeley brands with very good results. I use verious lengths, with the #2 bit primarily. There is a big difference in the quality of the bits also. 2 very good brands of driver bits are Dewalt and Irwin brands. I like to use a 1 1/2" long bit with a 6" extension doing screw pockets, it keeps the drill chuck from contacting the surface when driving in the screws.

I don't like the ones with the #1 size bit requirement. I've had a restaurant that used them on a number of chairs with loose legs, and they are terrible getting back out. Many times they will strip out due to the size of the opening.

I don't use them for everything, but the do work well

Paul

I bought that 500 pce introductory pack and now have stainless for the boat and allsorts - even bought their pocket holer.

I ain't ever going back - except in emergencies which only drive me to buy more variety in SR's.

Anyone want to buy 30 years accumulation of straight and phillips head screws??

Jamie

Yes square drive are excellent. There are as s others have said, less than desirable manufactures. Here in NZ I generally use Fortress brand from Bunnies. Good quality, availability and price.

Never had a problem and use them in both 6 & 8 guage.
I use them over all other screws primarily because they are extremely good wood screws that have a outanding grip factor, are easy to use and have a very large range of sizes.

Mine go from 12mm all the way through to 75mm with most of the sizes in between.

Depending on internal and external use I use the bronze for inside work and the galv for exterior.

Ah but I love a good screw :eek:

Originally Posted by barnsey

Anyone want to buy 30 years accumulation of straight and phillips head screws??
Jamie

You gotta be kiddin!!!

Hell no:eek:

Robertson (decent quality ones) are definately the way to go...the other thing to consider is to get decent quality screwdrivers (the weakest link thing). Lee Valley sells two different lines of top quality screwdrivers, you pay a little more but heads of screw don't get stripped from the poor fit of a crappy screwdriver.

Cheers

I'm having trouble getting hold of these new screws. I found some in a small Thrifty-Link hardware shop and I'm really impressed with them, but its miles from where I work. I've just tried Mitre10 and Bunnings here in town and they don't stock them!!?:eek: Just the usual Phillips type and the hex drive ones.
And another beef, are manufacturers cutting down on the range of lengths available, or are the stores being slack....I'm sure screws came in increments smaller than 25mm!

That's my grumble for the day (I hope!)

Andy, I've never seen these screws in a shop and yet I've got heaps of them, from 12mm to 37mm pan head, counter sunk head and pocket hole.

Mail order is your friend....