Why Do Screws Have So Many Different Heads?

By Simple Things - Surprising Histories

Community Score: 50% | 11.5K views | 2w

0 community ratings: null thumbs up, null thumbs down

Screws may look simple, but the strange variety of shapes on their heads has a fascinating history. In this video, we explain why screws have different head designs, how they evolved with manufacturing, and how engineers solved problems like slipping and cam out. Why Do Screws Have So Many Different Heads? | Simple Things Surprising Histories This documentary style episode from Simple Things Surprising Histories explores the history and engineering behind common screw drive designs, from the early slotted screw to the Robertson, Phillips, Torx, and security screw. Topics covered in this video: • Why early screws used simple slotted heads • How the slotted screw was manufactured • What cam out means and why screwdrivers slip • How mass production changed screw design • Peter L. Robertson and the invention of the Robertson screw • How Robertson screws helped improve assembly work • The connection between Henry Ford and Robertson screws • Why Ford searched for an alternative screw desi

Tags: why screws have different heads, different screw heads, screw head types, Phillips screw, Robertson screw, Torx screw, slotted screw, security screws, what is cam out, cam out explained, why screwdrivers slip, screw history, Henry Ford screws, Peter Robertson, screw drive types, how screws work, engineering explained, how things work, manufacturing history, industrial history