Peter L. RobertsonPeter L. Robertson was a salesman who spent his spare time conjuring inventions in his workshop. The solution was found by a 27-year old Canadian, Peter L. Robertson.
Who invented the Robertson screwdriver and where was he from?
Robertson was born in Seneca, which is now part of Haldimand County located in southern Ontario. Robertson became a sales representative in Canada for a Philadelphia tool company. During a tool demonstration in downtown Montreal, the blade of his screwdriver slipped out of a single-slot screw and severely cut his hand.
Why are there no Robertson screws in America?
Most historians attribute its lack of popularity in the United States to Henry Ford. Having been nearly bankrupted by shady European licensees, Robertson refused to license his invention to Ford. Without a guaranteed supply, Ford turned to the Phillips-head screw, cementing its reign in American industry.
Why are Robertson screws popular in Canada?
Phillips had invented another kind of socket screw and had no such reservations. Although the Robertson screw is most popular in Canada, it is used extensively in boat building because it tends not to slip and damage material, it can be used with one hand, and it is much easier to remove/replace after weathering.
Why is it called a Robertson screwdriver?
Peter frequently told the story- now a legend – about the accident in downtown Montréal. He was demonstrating a spring-loaded screwdriver when the blade slipped from the screw-slot and badly cut his hand. The incident inspired him, so he decided to invent an improved and safer screw – The Robertson® Drive.
Who invented the Robertson?
The solution was found by a 27-year old Canadian, Peter L. Robertson. He was a pitchman for a Philadelphia tool company, a traveling salesman who sold goods at trade fairs and on street corners throughout eastern Canada. He spent his spare time in his workshop.
Who invented the first screw head?
In the early 1930s, the Phillips head screw was invented by Oregon businessman Henry Phillips (1889–1958). Automobile manufacturers now used car assembly lines.
Can you buy Robertson screws in the USA?
American furniture, appliance and mobile-home industries use them, but the classic Canadian fastener is still virtually unknown to do-it-yourself home renovators. Home Depot reports Robertson screwdrivers account for less than 5 per cent of sales in the United States.
Are Robertson screws Canadian?
Robertson | Robertson Inc | Woodworking | Millwork | Fasteners | Screws. In 1908, P. L. Robertson began to manufacture a square recess impression in the head of a screw in Milton, Ontario, Canada.
Why are flathead screws still used?
Originally posted by FXWizard: Why? Because some manufacturers have not yet experienced the perfection that is the Robertson head screw… Flat head screws are good for wood as they prevent overtightening and thus help prevent stripping.
What is the common name for the Robertson tip screwdriver?
A Robertson screw, also known as a square or Scrulox screw drive, is specified as ANSI Type III Square Center and has a square-shaped socket in the screw head and a square protrusion on the tool.
Who invented Phillips head screws?
The Phillips screw and driver, originally invented by Portlander John P. Thompson, dramatically increased the speed of manufacturing and made the Phillips screwdriver a necessity in every toolbox.
When was Robertson screws invented?
The Robertson screwdriver, also known as a square screwdriver, was invented in 1908 by P.L. Robertson, a native Canadian.
What is a square tip screwdriver called?
What is a Robertson Screw or Robertson Head Screw? Most of us call Robertson screws “square drive” or “socket head” screws. They were invented by Canadian traveling salesman Peter Robertson around 1906.
When was screw invented?
Although Archimedes is credited with inventing the screw in the 3rd century bce,… In the Figure, which shows the main types of screws and screwheads in modern use, the cap and machine screws are used to clamp machine parts together, either when one of the parts has a threaded hole or in conjunction with a nut.
What is the difference between a Robertson and a Phillips screwdriver?
Phillips heads have a cross-shaped tool indent. Hex socket screws require an Allen wrench, while hex screws are entirely hexagonal without an indent for a tool, meaning it needs a wrench or socket wrench. Square indentations are also known as Robertson screw heads and require a special driving tool.
