What is that stupid RV fastener used everywhere?

[mlwinnig]

Used in 2000 Dutchmen TT and 1995 Newmar Class A and, I think, 1976 Shasta TT.

It looks a little like a Phillips with a square drive center but it's not! (I have used screws which could be driven with either and it's not the same). The "wings" are somewhat curved.

I have had to buy complete security bit sets to get the single bit (Menards and Harbor Freight). HF set does not identify it though sizes appear to be 8 and 10. I think this one is the 10.

I want to buy a bunch of longer impact-rated bits for an impact driver.

Help please!

Thanks!

[Bobbo]

I buy Robertson drive exterior screws all day long at Lowes.

[wa8yxm]

Dutch_12078 wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
The formal name is Robson. You can find 'em at leat the #2 size, at Lowes or Homne Depot (Look near Deck Screws) As I recall they are blue

I find a #2 SQUARE bit works best.

Peter Robertson, the inventor, would probably dispute your version of his name. 😉

www.robertsonscrew.com

Sorry about that. but the fact is I normally use a #2 Square bit.
I have both (Well all 3) types (Phillips being the 3rd) but the #2 Square works best.

And as you may well know ... Many RVers have a few Screws Loose. (The kind discussed in this thread).

[D_E_Bishop]

IAMICHABOD wrote:
It could be a Robertson Screw,they are used a lot in RV stuff.Does it look like this.


You can buy all types of bits that fit it on Amazon

Where did you find those screws? I would love some just to mess with folks, imaging someone trying to remove a left hand thread screw and not being able to turn it.:h

Sorry IAICHABOD, I couldn't resist.

David

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Yup clutch drive with the rounded butterfly ends. Holley carburetors used them on their metering blocks back when pterodactyls flew.

WiHa makes tools for these drives and unlike commercial garbage the WiHa tips lasts and lasts even when power driven. Look for molybdenum as an alloy agent. 99% of the neanderthal grade tools have chromium and vanadium but not molybdenum. Ever hear of "Chrome Moly" steel?

With a new hole in wood I use silicone grease on the fastener threads. Nope, it doesn't not make it easier for the screw to loosen but it sure makes driving them easier. Silicone grease does not harm wood.

[dougrainer]

For those that continue to argue the point, here is a link to what the Clutch drive looks like. Which is what the poster has. Doug

https://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Clutch-Head-Screw-Bits-p/vts-578.htm

[Dutch_12078]

wa8yxm wrote:
The formal name is Robson. You can find 'em at leat the #2 size, at Lowes or Homne Depot (Look near Deck Screws) As I recall they are blue

I find a #2 SQUARE bit works best.

Peter Robertson, the inventor, would probably dispute your version of his name. 😉

www.robertsonscrew.com

[Bill_Satellite]

It's not a Torx head screw is it?
Torx Head

[wa8yxm]

The formal name is Robson. You can find 'em at leat the #2 size, at Lowes or Homne Depot (Look near Deck Screws) As I recall they are blue

I find a #2 SQUARE bit works best.

[Davidlee64]

Some of the circuit breakers in my outside box (Square D) use the square drive bits as well.

[pconroy328]

I switched all my woodworking projects over to Robertson square drive screws a few years ago. Square drive screws are 'da bomb! They are amazingly better than Phillips.

[Dutch_12078]

Other than wear/breakage replacements, the only new screwdriver bits I've had to buy in years were Torx bits about 15 years ago. Robertson/square drive screws have been a staple of the mobile home/manufactured housing and RV industries for over 50 years. I still have square drive bits I bought in the early 60's.

[dougrainer]

https://www.amazon.com/Picquic-Multi-bit-Screwdriver-Clutch-drive-Phillips/dp/B00XLUPOFW/ref=sr_1_2?...

[dougrainer]

Clutch bits used to be popular 30 to 40 years ago. I have not seen them in more than 30 years. Brings back memories and I checked my tool box and found I still had 2 clutch drive bits. Doug

[wildtoad]

I’m all for innovation and if someone comes out with a better screw then fine. Doesn’t explain why companies then build new things with older screw technology. The Phillips is better than the flat but they still use flats. Trox was a “better Idea”, and I suppose all the new square, Phillips/flat combo’s, square/Phillip combo’s, etc etc are all better. IT’s got to be collusion between the screw manufacturers and the tool manufacturers to make us mere mortals buy more tools.

[Old-Biscuit]

Corkey05 wrote:
If it not square it's probably a Clutch Drive , or a Supa Drive that's a cross between square and philips, using a #2 square usually works. Not used for production much anymore, but still out there.

Great chart!
Thanks for posting