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Canadians: square slot screws?

Sdashiki

Sdashiki

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Aug 11, 2005
3,529
11
Behind the lens
Apparently there are such things as Robertson, square, screwdrivers.

Not too typical south of the border, so i am having a bit of trouble maybe a northern brother could help out with.

I need to know the width of the smallest sized, #0 or #00, square screwdriver. They are color-coded Im told, and the sizes are orange and yellow respectively.

Is it 1.5mm? 1.2mm?

Maybe you have one lying in your toolbox you could measure for me? :cool:
 
Ah, yes, the Robertson screwdriver. Everyone should use these!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_screwdriver
The more you know....

As for the actual width of the square, I have no idea. You usually simply go by the number size rather than the actual mm measurement.
Nobody I know has ever stopped to measure it. Just 'Gimmie the red one' or 'Gimmie the green one'.
 
That's a rather unusual question. Mind if I ask what for?

I did some Google searching and unfortunately can't find any information on the actual hole size. By the time I got home to measure, hopefully someone else will have already given you an answer.

So they're really that uncommon in the States? My understanding is that you also have a "clone" that you simply call the square-drive, although yours doesn't have the characteristic taper of the original Robertson. (The taper acts like a little wedge, drawing the head tighter to the screw and reducing slippage).

These are pretty much ubiquitous here in Canada, by the way, and my personal preference (along with probably every other Canadian carpenter). I used to hate them, because it's harder to jury-rig a tool when you don't have an actual screwdriver (e.g. you can't use a coin or a jackknife). But once I actually started using them, I quickly appreciated the simple fact that it's much more difficult to "strip" a Robertson screw.

Did you know that Philips screws (the cross-shaped heads) were designed so that the screwdriver head would slip out?
 
thats what im finding.

I need 1mm wide.

Which, from my googling looks like the extremely rare #00 orange robertson.

Cant even find a place in canada that sells anything less than the #0, which seems a bit too big still.
 
Its a 1mm square screw head.

I dont know why they say there exists a #00 size, but no one sells below a #0.

Maybe I just need someone to machine one.
 
Sdashiki said:
Its a 1mm square screw head.

I dont know why they say there exists a #00 size, but no one sells below a #0.

Maybe I just need someone to machine one.
Click to expand...

I checked through Lee Valley Tools, which would have been my first place to look. No dice. I'll see if I can dig anything up. There's a tool/fastener store down the road that specializes in weird stuff, I'll have a look when I get a chance. Also, anyone close to a Princess Auto should take a quick look too.

I'm assuming there's no time crunch here, if one of us can find you something?
 
Just puts a project on hold, but I havent even started it, so no rush

Im even googling for 1mm square stock which I could just slap a handle onto.

Also, 1mm = 3/64" approx.

Though, I dont see many 3/64" tips either!
 
Damn. Still too big, and Id have to file it.

Why oh why does there not exist a perfect solution. Oh, because I need it. :rolleyes:

I just got some small files, im gonna go to town on a few random bits I have lying around. See what I come up with. Ive read a few instances of others filing jewelers screwdrivers which I may try also.


If someone had a CNC machine, it could crank one out pretty quick n easy. That'd be nice.
 
Sdashiki said:
Hmmm I dont get it.

Title says : #00 x 2-1/2 Phillips Precision Square Drive

But the word Phillips means its a phillips head, but why add the words square drive to it?
Click to expand...

I sent them an email to inquire, as they claim to be the 'square drive authority.' They didn't offer any help, but they did update their site to remove the words 'square drive' from the description. Good luck on your quest...sounds like something I would do (I always find myself looking for strange things in hardware stores.)
 
McFeeley's (and others) get around paying the royalty on the Roberstson patent by calling their products "square drives". Hmpf.

I have a Picquic replaceable bit driver here with an R #0 bit, the bit is approx 2mm or 1/16 inch at the tip
 
Poeben said:
I sent them an email to inquire, as they claim to be the 'square drive authority.' They didn't offer any help, but they did update their site to remove the words 'square drive' from the description. Good luck on your quest...sounds like something I would do (I always find myself looking for strange things in hardware stores.)
Click to expand...

I emailed them, they changed it because of my email asking why it said square when it also said Phillips.


Im starting to think a CNC, Rapid Prototyper or something like it, is going to be my only choice.
 
Sdashiki said:
Im starting to think a CNC, Rapid Prototyper or something like it, is going to be my only choice.
Click to expand...

I'll pay a visit to Ottawa Fastener Supply (the name alone sounds promising) today at lunch and see what I find out.

(See, anyone who tells you Canadians don't live up to their reputation of being friendly and helpful... :p)
 
notjustjay said:
(See, anyone who tells you Canadians don't live up to their reputation of being friendly and helpful... :p)
Click to expand...

Never heard anything but good things aboot em'.

Ive emailed some local CNC machinists to see if its possible to create one from some square stock. We shall see.
 
Back.

I went to Ottawa Fastener Supply, which is essentially a parts warehouse for all manner of nuts and bolts and tools. Unfortunately the best they have in Robertson is a #0 (which I bought for you, if you want it -- it's on a 1/4" hex drive, 2" shaft).

I also picked up a delicious shawarma lunch and enjoyed a warm sunny fall day (rare here for October) so thanks for the excuse to go out :D
 
Dont think I know much bout that sammich, but thank you for looking.

I think I may just find a local machinist, or find a size #0 or #1 locally and file it down carefully.

:D
 
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