Phillips Head Screwdriver

Also known as

Phillips, Cross-Head Screwdriver, PH2 Screwdriver, Cross-Point Screwdriver

Used for

Driving Phillips-head screws on audio, lighting, and video equipment — rack screws, panel screws, and equipment covers are almost always Phillips. A PH2 handles the majority; a set from PH0 to PH3 covers edge cases.

Trade note

Named after Henry F. Phillips, who popularized the cross-head drive in the 1930s. The self-centering design was ideal for early power screwdrivers in automotive manufacturing. "Cam-out" — the tendency of a Phillips driver to slip out under high torque — is a design feature, not a flaw: it prevents overtightening on assembly lines.

Direct answer

Phillips Head Screwdriver is used for driving Phillips-head screws on audio, lighting, and video equipment — rack screws, panel screws, and equipment covers are almost always Phillips. A PH2 handles the majority; a set from PH0 to PH3 covers edge cases. It is also known as Phillips, Cross-Head Screwdriver, PH2 Screwdriver, Cross-Point Screwdriver. Trade note: Named after Henry F. Phillips, who popularized the cross-head drive in the 1930s. The self-centering design was ideal for early power screwdrivers in automotive manufacturing. "Cam-out" — the tendency of a Phillips driver to slip out under high torque — is a design feature, not a flaw: it prevents overtightening on assembly lines.

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