Robertson vs Phillips Screws?

[31 Model A]

This might be a question diving into purity but........when exactly did Ford start using Phillip screws? Info I found is early 30s, well from 1930-35 is a lot of early years.

Ed

[Bob C]

I've got the 1928-1938 Ford hardware book and I
don't see any Phillips screws listed or shown in the pictures.

Bob

[31 Model A]

Did some more research......GM in 1936 were the first to adopt the Phillips screws. Philips sold all the patents to Ford in 1945.

[Mitch//pa]

GM first used them in the caddys in 1936

i see plenty of model A's with phillips screws being utilized

[Roadster62]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

GM first used them in the caddys in 1936

i see plenty of model A's with phillips screws being utilized

The sheetrock screws are the worst! Bob

[Gary WA]

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Originally Posted by 31 Model A

This might be a question diving into purity but........when exactly did Ford start using Phillip screws? Info I found is early 30s, well from 1930-35 is a lot of early years.

Ed

I believe Canadian model A's all have the Robertson Screws.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by Gary WA

I believe Canadian model A's all have the Robertson Screws.

Yes, the Canadian factories used Robertson screws from very early. Just when they started doing so might be another thread. In concourse judging here, certain screws must be Robertson heads because in those days, our cars came from Canada, not US.
As I hear it from Canadian friends, Robertson didn't like the Americans and refused to allow them to use his patented screws. That left them with the old style screws until a guy by the name of Phillips came along. That may or may not be accurate - facts have an amazing ability to change depending on who is telling the story and the passage of time.

[Gary WA]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

Yes, the Canadian factories used Robertson screws from very early. Just when they started doing so might be another thread. In concourse judging here, certain screws must be Robertson heads because in those days, our cars came from Canada, not US.
As I hear it from Canadian friends, Robertson didn't like the Americans and refused to allow them to use his patented screws. That left them with the old style screws until a guy by the name of Phillips came along. That may or may not be accurate - facts have an amazing ability to change depending on who is telling the story and the passage of time.

Did they produce the screw drivers in the tool kits for robertson screws also?

[Synchro909]

Gary, I don't think so but I could very well be wrong. I think the tool kit was the same as the US cars.

[fundytides]

Ford Canada started using Robertson screws in Model T days. Not sure when but most Canadian built cars that I have seen have them. My 27 Touring uses Robertsons as well as my Model A roadster, both Canadian cars. Lots of other minor differences between Canadian and US produced cars.

[C26Pinelake]

On another site it was said that Robertsons were used in Canada from mid 1926. Having said that, my Canadian 1924 Model T Roadster has Robertson screws.. Wayne

[Tudortomnz]

Originally Posted by Gary WA

Did they produce the screw drivers in the tool kits for robertson screws also?

The Canadian tool kit did not include a Robertson ''driver
probably because Ford summised new owners would not be fiddling around with trim screws.
Robertson ''drivers were available & used by Dealers, in all the many sizes used in the various Model A bodies. I have 3, all small sizes like for Fordor window frames & rear window frame on a Roadster/Phaeton.
They are stamped Robertson Canada, pat. 1933. They are almost the same as the original toolkit screwdriver, but with green painted handles.

[Gary WA]

Originally Posted by Tudortomnz

The Canadian tool kit did not include a Robertson ''driver
probably because Ford summised new owners would not be fiddling around with trim screws.
Robertson ''drivers were available & used by Dealers, in all the many sizes used in the various Model A bodies. I have 3, all small sizes like for Fordor window frames & rear window frame on a Roadster/Phaeton.
They are stamped Robertson Canada, pat. 1933. They are almost the same as the original toolkit screwdriver, but with green painted handles.

Thanks

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Mitch//pa

i see plenty of model A's with phillips screws being utilized

Around here it's getting hard to find flat head screws with slotted heads. Every body carries only Phillips flat head wood screws.

I just got back from the local Ace Hardware (to buy some #10 wood screws to replace the Phillips Head screws that are already installed). "Well, we could order you some, come in a 100 count box"...

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Around here it's getting hard to find flat head screws with slotted heads. Every body carries only Phillips flat head wood screws.

I just got back from the local Ace Hardware (to buy some #10 wood screws to replace the Phillips Head screws that are already installed). "Well, we could order you some, come in a 100 count box"...

Hmm do you have a fastenal or grainger near you?

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by SeaSlugs

Hmm do you have a fastenal or grainger near you?

Nether one. We have a McMaster Carr pretty close by. Still have to order a box of 50. Works out to be ~10¢ each, not too bad but I don't need that many.

Edit: SeaLugs, just did a search. There is a Grainger ~5 miles from me. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Clem Clement]

Phillips started in 1934. Caddy used them in 36 and Lionel trains about the same time. I have judged fine point cars with Phillips screws. I go nuts...

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Clem Clement

Phillips started in 1934. Caddy used them in 36 and Lionel trains about the same time. I have judged fine point cars with Phillips screws. I go nuts...

"Go Nuts"... or Screwy??

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Clem Clement

Phillips started in 1934. Caddy used them in 36 and Lionel trains about the same time. I have judged fine point cars with Phillips screws. I go nuts...

WOW are you serious fine pointers

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Clem Clement

Phillips started in 1934. Caddy used them in 36 and Lionel trains about the same time. I have judged fine point cars with Phillips screws. I go nuts...

So, that's what did it!

What really looks bad is flat head screws on window trim, when they should be oval head. I see a lot of it, and I'm not a judge. Even worse is when they are too long and put bumps in the outer skin. Yep, I've seen that too.