What is the best screw drive?
Choosing the right screw drive depends on various factors, including the specific application, the type of material being fastened, and personal preferences. There are several commonly used screw drive types, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. This guide is designed to help you understand drives on screw heads, covering:
Types of screw drives
A screw drive refers to the type of slot or recess on the head of a screw. It’s designed to match the corresponding screwdriver used to turn and drive the screw into a material or fasten it in place.
There are various types of screw drive, each with its own unique design and characteristics. The choice of screw drive depends on factors such as the application, torque requirements, ease of use, availability of tools, and desired level of tamper resistance. Different screw drives offer varying levels of torque transfer, resistance to cam-out (slipping), and compatibility with different materials and fastening systems.
Design of screw drives
Screw heads also differ. The best screw head type is whatever works best for your application. It’s the same with screw drives. Let’s look at the designs that define the different types of screw head you have to choose from.
You can learn about different types of screw heads in our guide, What are screw heads, drives and threads?
Slotted
A slot drive refers to a single slot on the screw head. The flat-head screw drive shown here is slotted, allowing engagement with a flat-blade screwdriver, commonly known as a slotted screwdriver.
A slotted screw drive is characterized by a straight, single slot that runs across the center of the screw head. To install or remove a slot drive screw, a slotted screwdriver is inserted into the slot and turned to rotate the screw. Be aware, slotted screws are more prone to slipping in high-torque applications compared to other screw-drive types
Phillips
Phillips screws have two crossed slots designed to prevent over-tightening of the screw. When too much torque is applied, the screwdriver will slip out of the drive, or cam-out. The cross slots make Phillips screws more secure compared to slotted drives and allow for compatibility with electric screwdrivers.
Hex
A hex screw drive, also known as an Allen or hexagonal drive, refers to the hexagonal recess on the screw head. This recess is designed to be engaged with a corresponding hex key or Allen wrench for installation and removal.
Hex screw drives have six flat sides arranged in a hexagonal shape, creating six contact points. This design allows for efficient torque transfer, making hex screws suitable for applications that require extra torque for more secure fastening.
The hex key or Allen wrench used with hex drives has a matching hexagonal shape at its tip. It’s inserted into the hexagonal recess of the screw head and rotated to tighten or loosen the screw.
Pozi
The Pozidriv screw head, or Pozi screw drive, stands for "positive drive." Like the Phillips drive, The Pozi screw drive features a cross-shaped indentation on the top of the screw head. However, the Pozi screw drive has an additional set of smaller indentations at the corners of the main cross shape, arranged at 45-degree angles.
This additional feature is intended to provide better grip and prevent the screwdriver from slipping out of the screw head, especially when more torque is applied. The design of the Pozi screw drive enhances torque transfer and prevents cam-out.
Learn more in our guide, What is the difference between Phillips and Pozi screw heads?
Torx
Torx screws feature a six-pointed star-shaped recess with rounded edges. Also known as a star drive, the Torx drive provides higher torque than many other screw drive types, while reducing the risk of cam-out and adding an element of security. It features a symmetrical recess that enables easy engagement with matching Torx drivers or bits.
Robertson
Among unusual screw heads is the Robertson design. The Robertson screw head contains a square drive. It offers several advantages over other screw drive types, including ease of use.
The square-shaped recess allows for efficient engagement with a corresponding Robertson screwdriver or bit. The design of Robertson drives provides a secure and reliable connection, minimizing the likelihood of cam-out during installation or removal. The square shape offers better torque transfer, allowing for higher torque application compared to Phillips or slotted screws.
Uses of different screw drives
High-load and structural applications require bolts. So where does that leave screws? Some types of screw drive are better suited for particular applications than others. Always make sure you choose the right screw drive and matching screw driver.
If you need a lightweight screw that resists corrosion and provides excellent electrical insulation, then consider plastic screws.
Slotted screw drive
Best used for applications where moderate torque is sufficient and the risk of over-tightening or cam-out is low. Do not use for high-stress loads.
Ideal applications:
- Woodworking: Non-critical fastenings and cabinetry
- Light construction: installing light fixtures and attaching switch plates
- Sheet Metal Fabrication: Joins metal panels, brackets, and other sheet metal components
Phillips screw drive
Versatile, but may not be suitable for high-stress applications or environments where a more secure fastening or resistance to cam-out is required.
Ideal applications:
- Electronics: Secures components, circuit boards, and panels in devices such as computers, smartphones, televisions, and home appliances
- Indoor and Outdoor Enclosures: Electrical panels, control boxes, including solar PV system and EV charging enclosures – good, secure fastening option in electrical installations
- Automotive & Electric Vehicles: Vehicle assembly for various components, including interior trim, dashboard elements, door panels, and other non-structural parts
- Sheet Metal Fabrication: Joins metal panels, brackets, and other sheet metal components
- Furniture Assembly: Assembles chairs, tables, cabinets, and shelving units – often found in ready-to-assemble furniture kits
Hex screw drive
A wide range of specific applications due to their advantages in providing higher torque, precise fastening, and secure connections.
Ideal applications:
- Industrial Equipment and Machinery: Used for assembling mechanical components, such as engines, motors, gears, and other machinery parts
- Automotive and Electric Vehicle: Engine components, transmission systems, suspension parts, and interior fixtures
- Electronics: Junction boxes, control panels, circuit boards, and equipment enclosures
- Construction and Building: Steel framing, concrete formwork, and fastening brackets
- Furniture Assembly: Ready-to-assemble furniture, cabinets, shelves, and other wooden or metal furniture items
Pozi screw drive
Specifically designed to improve torque transfer, reduce risk of cam-out, and secure fastening.
Ideal applications:
- Automotive: Blower motors, ducting, temperature controls, and HVAC module enclosures. Also, engine covers, air filter housings, coolant reservoirs, and battery terminals
- Electronics: Control panels, circuit boards, and electrical enclosures
- Industrial Equipment and Machinery: Machinery manufacturing, mechanical components, and industrial automation systems
- Furniture Assembly: Assemble cabinets, wardrobes, shelves, and other furniture pieces
- Construction and Woodworking: Framing, decking, and general woodworking projects
Torx screw drive
Used in various industries and applications that require secure and reliable fastening.
Ideal applications:
- Automotive: Brake callipers, brake pads, brake rotors, transmission pans, and valve bodies
- Electronics: Assembly of laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles, cameras and appliances
- Medical Devices: Surgical instruments, implantable devices, and diagnostic equipment
- Industrial Equipment and Machinery: Manufacturing equipment, machinery components, production lines, and industrial automation systems.
- Construction: Installing fixtures and architectural elements
- Furniture Assembly: Assembling furniture pieces, cabinets, and shelves
Robertson screw drive
Excellent torque transfer while reducing the risk of slippage or stripping during installation.
Ideal applications:
- Construction & Woodworking: Cabinetmaking, furniture assembly, carpentry, decking, railing systems, and joinery
- Electronics: Device and circuit breaker terminals and clamp connectors
- Sheet Metal Fabrication: Joins metal panels, brackets, and other sheet metal components
At a glance
Use this table as a quick reference guide to the industries where these screw drives are commonly found.
| Slot | Phillips | Hex | Pozi | Torx | Robertson | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive and Electric Vehicle | x | x | x | x | ||
| Electronics | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Indoor and Outdoor Enclosures | x | |||||
| Industrial Equipment/Machinery | x | x | x | |||
| Light Construction | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Medical Devices | x | |||||
| Furniture Assembly | x | x | x | x | ||
| Woodworking | x | x | x | |||
| Sheet Metal Fabrication | x | x | x |
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