Norm, phillips screws; Rant

[Black wallnut]

Just caught the later 2/3 of his show today. He was making shop aids: roller stand, machine base and lumber cart. He used glues and screws as usual. Why is it every time he drives a phillips screw he allows the bit to slip? I'd think that with all the practice he has had over the years he would have learned the simple technique to stop this; steady pressure and slowing the drill down right before final tightening.

rant off!

[Tamarack]

He surely must go through a lot of screw bits. I wonder why he hasn't gone to square drive screws yet, no donative support from the right suppliers? Maybe we should all email Mcfeeley's to urge them to donate!

Paul in Speedwell

[eccentrictinkerer]

My understanding is that the "bit slip" was factored into the design of the Phillips system. The idea was to keep from over-tightening and to speed production.

Unless it will show, I don't mind some bit slip. Bits are cheap and easy to replace.

My guess is that Norm is more concerned about getting it done than appearance (in those instances).

[Crash2510]

why doesn't he just invest in an impact driver?

[Uncle Cracker]

I'm surprised he doesn't have some kind of electronic torque control, with a remote digital readout mounted in his safety glasses...

[bigstick509]

He surely must go through a lot of screw bits. I wonder why he hasn't gone to square drive screws yet, no donative support from the right suppliers? Maybe we should all email Mcfeeley's to urge them to donate!

Paul in Speedwell