Tools Of The E-Trade: The Phillips-Head Screwdriver

The Philips-head screwdriver is a remarkable and understated invention. And hard as it is to believe, there are adults walking around us who don’t know what it looks like. I’m not here to pour scorn and condemnation on this segment of the population, but to lend an assistive explanation.

It’s the cross shape, basically. Held front on, the head should look like an X.

They come in a variety of sizes. In electronics repair, for phones and tablets you’ll typically have the smallest sizes. Jewellers and watch-makers and other people who work on a small scale might use a similar size. As you go up to laptop size, you might reach for a larger size.

I’d love to tell you specifically what those sizes are, with full confidence that they adhere to a universally agreed standard. However unfortunately that doesn’t seem to be the case. For example, I have two different sized bits in front of me that are both labelled PH000. You might also find screwdrivers labelled 1.2 or 1.5 that seem smaller than one labelled 000. The utopia of standards meets the reality of free-market chaos. Or perhaps hegemonic commie chaos. Thanks again China.

Typically, eyeballing the size you need is the best way. If you have bought one marketed to portable electronics repair from a reputable-looking supplier, then you are probably on the money.

The good screwdriver tips are made from Cr-V Steel (Chrome-Vanadium). It’s the same alloy used to make tools for car mechanics. Their advantage is they are resistant to rust, abrasion or losing their shape. This is a big deal when you are dealing with rusty old screws that don’t budge easily. They can also better handle being dropped on the ground, hammered and the like.

The phillips-head is named after one Henry F. Phillips. Though he was awarded the original US patent in the 1930s, he isn’t actually credited with inventing it. That honour typically goes to John B. Thompson.

In his podcast “The way I heard it”, Mike Rowe relates how Thompson told of his idea to Phillips at a bar, having failed to get financial support for his idea. Phillips took the idea and did get the financial support and the legal backing. In Mike Rowe’s words, Thompson got screwed. It’s admittedly hard to find much to back up this story in a quick online search though.

Sizing standards out the window. Thanks China,