Which screw drive is best, Star, Phillips, or Square? How about a combo?

Which screw drive is best, Star, Phillips, or Square? How about a combo?

11/11/197 comments

Whether you are a construction pro or a determined DIYer, a project can really get “screwed up” (pun intended) if the proper drivers for that screw are not used. The days of grabbing screws and a screwdriver from a rusty coffee can are over. Quality projects take planning, skill, as well as the proper tools, and Leola Fasteners is the perfect place to start - with a variety of drivers, fasteners, and other supplies to help you get it right. Check out all the different choices – one size or type does not fit all. Cabinets and furniture need different fasteners than decks, sheds and modular homes. Leola Fasteners, a Lancaster-based national supplier of top-quality drivers, screws, bolts and other fasteners can help.

Dozens of different screw drives beyond slotted and Phillips drive screws have been developed for strength, ease of use, tamper resistance, manual and industrial drivers – for all kinds of applications. Three popular screws today include Star drive screws, Phillips drive screws (yes, they are still widely used) and Square drive screws. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the advantages of each type, but when it comes to choosing quantity, length, special features, and ease of use, give us a call at Leola Fasteners and talk to a professional (717) 656-0256. We can help.

Star Drive

 

Star Drive Screw

The Star (also known as Torx) has a six-point, star-shaped drive that was developed mainly to enhance tamper resistance and ensure snug fits. The star design drivers cut down on the risk stripping the screw heads, slippage, or cam-outs, with tight, specific fits. Leola Fastener’s Star drives are most often used for large construction screws, as extra torque is needed to drive the screw.

Our very popular 8X2-1/2 Star Drive Flat Head Ceramic Screw
A collection of Leola Fastener's best selling Star Drive Screws

Phillips Drive

Phillips Drive ScrewsPhillips drive or crosshead screws are commonly used in DIY and construction projects. The + slot allows for more torque to be put on the driver to ensure a tight fit, with many sizes of screwheads and drivers, excellent for many applications. However, the screw drives strip easily, and may cam-out or slip if driven at an angle. Cheaply made screws, and improperly fitted drivers make it almost impossible to back out the Phillips head screw without visible damage to the project.

Leola Fastener's best selling Phillips Drive Screws

Square Drive

Square Drive ScrewsSquare drive screws have a center square that neatly fits a driver - advantages to consider when working on a construction or DIY projects that use composite materials or join angles. For starters, they are most resistant to cam-outs or screwdriver slips, and the connections are tight. Builders like that they have the ability to drive the screws one-handed due to the driver-screw fit and find the Square screw sturdy and strong for pocket hole joinery but able to be disassembled without stripping the screw or damaging the item.

Leola Fastener's best selling Square Drive Screws

Phillips/Square Combo Drive

quare/Phillips Combination Drive ScrewsAnd then there are optimal combinations of bits and drivers - one of the most effective being the Phillips Drive blended with a Square Drive. This combo driver just makes sense. The fit between the driver and the head of the fastener covers a larger surface area and allows the user additional flexibility and stability (the screw won’t fall off the driver as easily) along with the ability to apply additional torque, while lessening the risk of cam-outs and fastener breakage. While seemingly a specialty driver, just think of the advantages!

Leola Fastener's best selling Phillips/Square Combo Drive Screws

C’mon back and join Leola Fasteners as we delve more into the wonderful world of screws, bolts, fasteners and offer up some tips on how to choose the best screw features for your needs.

Tags: drivers, screws

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