Buzz
If you've ever tackled any home improvement tasks, chances are you've heard someone ask, 'Hand me the Phillips head screwdriver.' This term is important because you can't use a flat-head screwdriver on a Phillips screw, nor can you use a Phillips driver on a flat-head screw.
But why do we need two types of screws? What makes one preferable over the other? And where did the name 'Phillips head' come from?
The term 'Phillips Head' comes from its inventor. Let's take a closer look at why this name stuck and how it became widely adopted.
As per the National Inventors Hall of Fame, the 'Phillips' in 'Phillips head' refers to Henry Phillips, an inventor who fundamentally reimagined fasteners. In 1933, Phillips acquired the rights to a socket screw created by John Thompson, which featured a cross-shaped slot instead of the traditional slit. To drive this screw, a tool resembling an arrowhead was required. (This concept wasn’t entirely new, as John Frearson had patented a similar cruciform screw in the late 1800s.)
Why did Thompson part with the patent? Apparently, he struggled to gain interest from manufacturers, as they were concerned the deep recess in the screw's center might cause damage during production.
Phillips made further adjustments to Thompson's design, introducing what the NIHF refers to as a 'cruciform recess' that was shallower than Thompson's original, making it easier to mass-produce and turn by hand. He founded the Phillips Screw Company and eventually persuaded major manufacturers to adopt his patented version.
This proved beneficial for Phillips, who licensed his patent internationally. However, it became a double-edged sword: After World War II, political tensions prevented him from collecting royalties. Even the U.S. government turned against him, accusing his company of anticompetitive practices. Nevertheless, his improvements on Thompson's design reshaped the tool industry.
What makes the Phillips head superior? Let’s explore the reasons behind its advantages.
Phillips was particularly excited about his design because the screw could self-center. As anyone who has used a flathead screw knows, slotted screws require precise alignment of the screwdriver with the screw's head before pressure can be applied. However, with a Phillips head, the cross-shaped tip prevents slippage, automatically centering the screw.
This innovation went beyond mere convenience. Phillips (rightly) foresaw a rise in automated manufacturing, especially in the automotive industry, in the years ahead. Using a crosshead screw makes automatic driving much easier, as the tool can quickly locate its position. General Motors was one of the first carmakers to recognize Phillips's foresight, using Phillips-style fasteners in their 1937 Cadillac. Around the same time, these screws became available to the general public.
Even without power tools, the Phillips head offers a clear advantage over flathead screws. Because the driver and fastener fit together snugly, there’s minimal risk of the tool slipping and damaging the surface you’re working on, whether it's a kitchen cabinet or a bookshelf.
The Evolution of the Phillips Head
The Phillips head screw is no longer just associated with Henry Phillips, who passed away in 1958, with his patent expiring in 1966. There are now variations of the crosshead screw, including the Japanese Industry Standard (JIS), which has a tighter grip on the driving tool and is particularly useful for hand-driven work. (You can identify a JIS screw by the small pinhole near the crosshead.) In Canada, you’re more likely to encounter a Robertson-style screw, which also features a crosshead but with a square notch. Other designs with deeper notches have also emerged, but the Phillips head’s basic appeal—a no-slip drive—endures.
The Phillips head likely contributed to the rise of DIY home improvement projects. With a power driver and a crosshead screw, you can fasten items much more quickly—and with less damage—than when using a flathead screw.
Next time you’re working on a project and realize you didn’t have to deal with a screwdriver slipping and scratching anything, think of Henry Phillips, who took John Thompson’s original design to new heights. 'Hand me the Phillips-Thompson' just doesn’t have the same ring, though.
