Best screwdriver for PC work = Pozidrive?

[Piotr Makley]

I use a 1-point Pozidriv screwdriver made by Stanley for work on my
PC. it works very well.

It seems to be the best point size and type. I get little
slippage. The cross-slots hold well. Etc.

But I am surprised it is a Pozidriv because I think that was
really for wood screws and, anyway, I think Pozidriv was later
superceded by Supascrew.

So what is the official correct screwdriver for the screws on a
PCs?

 

[Chris 159]

I use a 1-point Pozidriv screwdriver made by Stanley for work on my
PC. it works very well.

It seems to be the best point size and type. I get little
slippage. The cross-slots hold well. Etc.

But I am surprised it is a Pozidriv because I think that was
really for wood screws and, anyway, I think Pozidriv was later
superceded by Supascrew.

So what is the official correct screwdriver for the screws on a
PCs?

number 2 philips

 

[Alan Walker]

I use a 1-point Pozidriv screwdriver made by Stanley for work on my
PC. it works very well.

It seems to be the best point size and type. I get little
slippage. The cross-slots hold well. Etc.

But I am surprised it is a Pozidriv because I think that was
really for wood screws and, anyway, I think Pozidriv was later
superceded by Supascrew.

So what is the official correct screwdriver for the screws on a
PCs?

I've got a good one I've had for years with a red handle, but my mate's
green one seems to work just as well.

 

[Rod Speed]

I use a 1-point Pozidriv screwdriver made by
Stanley for work on my PC. it works very well.

It seems to be the best point size and type. I get
little slippage. The cross-slots hold well. Etc.

But I am surprised it is a Pozidriv

Correct, the screw heads arent.

because I think that was really for wood screws
Nope.

and, anyway, I think Pozidriv was
later superceded by Supascrew.

Nope, its still around.

So what is the official correct
screwdriver for the screws on a PCs?

Philips. And it isnt just 1 size, tho most are #2

 

[John Theriault]

Correct, the screw heads arent.


Nope, its still around.


Philips. And it isnt just 1 size, tho most are #2

A butter Knife

john

 

[~misfit~]

I use a 1-point Pozidriv screwdriver made by Stanley for work on my
PC. it works very well.

I also use a Stanley 1 point Pozidriv driver for all my PC work.

It seems to be the best point size and type. I get little
slippage. The cross-slots hold well. Etc.

Yep, works great.

But I am surprised it is a Pozidriv because I think that was
really for wood screws and, anyway, I think Pozidriv was later
superceded by Supascrew.

So what is the official correct screwdriver for the screws on a
PCs?

Who cares? Whatever works without slipping. I use Pozidriv drivers for
all 'cross-head' screws, I find they have a lot better 'bite' than Phillips
drivers. Plus they work with Phillips and Pozidriv, Phillips are useless for
Pozidiv screws. One type fits all in my case. (pun intended).

 

[Michael Salem]

Philips screws and drivers were invented long ago in the US, originally
for fitting speakers into radios -- drivers slipped in slotted screws
and holed the speakers. For best results it's quite important to use the
right size.

Pozidriv, and later Supadriv, were invented much later: they work much
better when screws and drivers aren't the same size. I think Supadriv
drivers are designed to work properly with Pozidriv screws (backwards
compatible). Pozi and Supa are much used in Europe, but not America or
Japan, AFAIK. Which is why most screws in most computers have screws
with a U.S. thread and Philips #2 head.

If screws are not too tight, it doesn't much matter which cross-head
screwdriver you use with which screw. But a really tight Philips #2
screw is likely to have its head stripped if you use the wrong driver.

By the way, always try #2 first; some apparently smaller screw heads are
actually #2. If the screw is really smaller, a #2 driver just won't fit,
harmlessly.

There's more small print: e.g., there is a Japanese #2 Philips which is
not quite the same as the standard US Philips.

The cross-point screwdriver blade on branded Swiss Army knives seems to
do an exceptionally good job with most cross-point screws, if not quite
as good as the right type.

This may all appear pedantic, but is worth learning after you have to
drill out a few screws.

HTH,

 

[Alceryes]

Whatever fits, really...
There are several types and sizes depending on what computer manufacturer
you are dealing with. Some of the OEM's like using Torque or hex sizes but
most like the good old #2 Philips. Your best bet is to get one that has
Philips, slotted (flat head), torque, and hex bits that are interchangeable.
A good one will be about $15 at any hardware store.

 

[Christopher Pollard]

Pozidriv, and later Supadriv,

The main difference between the two is that on a pozidriv, the blade is
parallel, whereas on a phillips it's tapered. The idea being that under torque,
there's no tendency to slide out of the slot as it's not pushing at an angle.

Can you read German? There's a clear diagram here:
http://www.mindrup.de/atos/online/9704/pozidriv.htm



Compare these:-
pozidriv bit:
http://www.lara.com/store/images/bt-pz-300.jpg

phillips bit:
http://www.lara.com/store/images/bt-ph-300.jpg


For computer work, I use a #2 Phillips. This fits all the case screws. You might
need a #1 for things like CPU cooling fans or opening up mice.

By the way, always try #2 first; some apparently smaller screw heads are
actually #2. If the screw is really smaller, a #2 driver just won't fit,
harmlessly.

Agreed. Even the small screws holding the cover of a PSU are #2. Also, using a
#1 driver for #2 screws will eventually wear out the driver.

This may all appear pedantic,

Nothing pedantic about using the correct tool for the job.

Out here in the Philippines they refer to all types as 'star'. As an engineer
that makes me cringe.


Chris Pollard

 

[Christopher Pollard]

Your best bet is to get one that has
Philips, slotted (flat head), torque, and hex bits that are interchangeable.

However, stay clear of the ones which use the small bits. The bodies of these
are much wider, and some cases require you to poke the screwdriver through slots
to reach the drive mounting screws.


Chris Pollard

 

[Hank]

I use a 1-point Pozidriv screwdriver made by Stanley for work on my
PC. it works very well.

It seems to be the best point size and type. I get little
slippage. The cross-slots hold well. Etc.

But I am surprised it is a Pozidriv because I think that was
really for wood screws and, anyway, I think Pozidriv was later
superceded by Supascrew.

So what is the official correct screwdriver for the screws on a
PCs?

I usually use the one (if I can find it) that the freaking wife and kids
haven't snatched up and relocated to who the hell knows where. Seems to
suffice most of the time.

Hank

 

[MCheu]

Whatever fits, really...
There are several types and sizes depending on what computer manufacturer
you are dealing with. Some of the OEM's like using Torque or hex sizes but
most like the good old #2 Philips. Your best bet is to get one that has
Philips, slotted (flat head), torque, and hex bits that are interchangeable.
A good one will be about $15 at any hardware store.

HeHe... You think you've got your bases covered pretty well, don't
you? How about if the PC was assembled by some sadistic (and
psychotically patriotic) Canuck using Robertson head screws?

Let's see you open the case then... Bwaa-Ha-Ha!!

(As if this thread wasn't silly enough already...)

 

[R. Asby Dragon]

HeHe... You think you've got your bases covered pretty well, don't
you? How about if the PC was assembled by some sadistic (and
psychotically patriotic) Canuck using Robertson head screws?

Let's see you open the case then... Bwaa-Ha-Ha!!

(As if this thread wasn't silly enough already...)

You'd be surprised-- if you don't have a Robertson/Squaredrive that
fits; you can get those out by "slightly pounding " in a
straight-blade or a worn P#1 or #2 "longshaft" bit .

 

[CBFalconer]

.... snip ...

I usually use the one (if I can find it) that the freaking wife
and kids haven't snatched up and relocated to who the hell knows
where. Seems to suffice most of the time.

I would NEVER buy any tool made by Stanley since they sneakily
closed their local factories and outsourced everything to China.
I would much rather buy something that honestly admits it is 'Made
in China'.

 

[Trevor Best]

A butter Knife

http://www.office-humour.co.uk/item.cfm?itm=1497

 

[Piotr Makley]

I also use a Stanley 1 point Pozidriv driver for all my PC
work.



Who cares? Whatever works without slipping. I use Pozidriv
drivers for all 'cross-head' screws, I find they have a lot
better 'bite' than Phillips drivers. Plus they work with
Phillips and Pozidriv, Phillips are useless for Pozidiv
screws. One type fits all in my case. (pun intended).

I find that a 1pt Pozidriv can hold the screw quite well and better
than the Philips screwdrivers I have tried.

I wonder if there is some gadget which can hold a screwhead to the
screwdriver without any support from the user.

 

[Piotr Makley]

Philips screws and drivers were invented long ago in the US,
originally for fitting speakers into radios -- drivers slipped
in slotted screws and holed the speakers. For best results
it's quite important to use the right size.

I thought the electronics company Philips invented the Philips
screw and they are in Holland.

Pozidriv, and later Supadriv, were invented much later: they
work much better when screws and drivers aren't the same size.
I think Supadriv drivers are designed to work properly with
Pozidriv screws (backwards compatible). Pozi and Supa are much
used in Europe, but not America or Japan, AFAIK. Which is why
most screws in most computers have screws with a U.S. thread
and Philips #2 head.

I guess there are many screw threads in a PC but two types seem to
predominate: one for hold in disk drives and the other with a
finer thread. What is the official name for these PC screw types?

This may all appear pedantic, but is worth learning after you
have to drill out a few screws.

It is worthy stuff. Do you have any links to websites which deal
with US/European screw specificiations and also about PC screws?

 

[Piotr Makley]

The main difference between the two is that on a pozidriv, the
blade is parallel, whereas on a phillips it's tapered. The
idea being that under torque, there's no tendency to slide out
of the slot as it's not pushing at an angle.

Which one has no tendency to slide? The Philips?

 

[Paul]

I find that a 1pt Pozidriv can hold the screw quite well and better
than the Philips screwdrivers I have tried.

I use a regular quality stanley screwdriver (3mm). Use it for everything
including levering off cases.

I wonder if there is some gadget which can hold a screwhead to the
screwdriver without any support from the user.

Stroke the screwdriver with a magnet a few times and it will hold a screw.

 

[George]

Make sure you don't confuse a #2 Philips with a Reed-Prince...they look
almost identical but Reed-Prince is a much closer match for many Asian
sourced screws.