Best Phillips Screwdrivers?

[Doug White]

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

One problem is that the #1 tip is very pointy, and I think it is
bottoming out on some screws, which increases its tendency to slip.
This accellerates the damage & makes it more likely to slip the next
time. The #2 tip is definitely rounded and no where near as pointy.
The #0 seems to have a some of the same issue, but not as pronounced.

I'm going to have to replace the #1's (and may get another #0 as well),
and was wondering if folks have a favorite brand that grips screws well
and holds up better. I've had good luck with Wiha drivers in the past,
but mostly for smaller stuff (jeweller's screwdriver size).

Thanks!

Doug White

 

use a small triangular file for reshaping Phillips

cheap screwdrivers eg Wal are OK...chrome is the problem as witness cheap needle nose vs pro wiring pliers ,,,,but screw drivers as a single part usually doahn rust.

Craftsmen is next.

I have 2 sets inexpensive Chinese mini screws drivers all good near flying saucer steel for that torque range.

 

[Michael Black]

On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips screw,
called something else, so while nominally a Phillips fits it, it's not
really a match?

So either you can't open the screws, or it ruins the screwdriver in the
process.

Michael

 

[David Billington]

On 26/12/16 19:12, Michael Black wrote:

On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips
screw, called something else, so while nominally a Phillips fits it,
it's not really a match?

So either you can't open the screws, or it ruins the screwdriver in
the process.

Michael

Are you thinking of a pozidrive screw, if so a Phillips screwdriver
shouldn't be used. See
http://bsfixings.uk/the-difference-between-phillips-and-pozi-screw and
http://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/17312/is-it-a-bad-idea-to-use-a-pozidriv-screwdriver-on-a-phillips-head
and others. They're commonly mistaken and the wrong drivers used with
the wrong screw potentially damages both the driver and the screw.

 

[Leon Fisk]

On Mon, 26 Dec 2016 14:12:39 -0500
Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> wrote:

On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips screw,
called something else, so while nominally a Phillips fits it, it's not
really a match?

So either you can't open the screws, or it ruins the screwdriver in the
process.

Maybe "Pozidriv" I use to run in to them while working on two-way
radios. I had a couple special screwdrivers just for them. A regular
Philips would work but was sloppy. They usually had four cut marks on
the screw head for identification. See:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives#Pozidriv

There are several more possibilities too. Check out the link...

As far as screwdrivers... I tend to use 1/4 inch inserts when ever
possible. Save the real screwdrivers for those deep holes where inserts
won't work. They last much longer that way. I haven't bought any "good"
ones for some time now. Nowadays it would be a guessing game. What was
great and you bought a year ago could be re-sourced now and crap, yet
look exactly the same...

I also use the Harbor Freight freebie set for stuff that doesn't need a
good screwdriver

--
Leon Fisk
Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b
Remove no.spam for email

 

[Ralph Mowery]

In article <alpine.LNX.2.02.1612261411400.23783@darkstar.example.org>,
et472@ncf.ca says...

On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips screw,
called something else, so while nominally a Phillips fits it, it's not
really a match?

So either you can't open the screws, or it ruins the screwdriver in the
process.

Michael

There is a Pozidriv screw that looks very much like the Phillips screw.
It will have 4 marks on it inbetween the 'slots' of the Phillips so you
can tell which is which. The Phillips are made to cam out under so much
force. You may need to get some of the Pozidriv screw drivers.

 

[Doug White]

David Billington <djb@invalid.com> wrote in
news3rqf3$uur$1@dont-email.me:

On 26/12/16 19:12, Michael Black wrote:
On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite
Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I
outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and
the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick
vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I
had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish
the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips
screw, called something else, so while nominally a Phillips fits it,
it's not really a match?

So either you can't open the screws, or it ruins the screwdriver in
the process.

Michael
Are you thinking of a pozidrive screw, if so a Phillips screwdriver
shouldn't be used. See
http://bsfixings.uk/the-difference-between-phillips-and-pozi-screw and
http://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/17312/is-it-a-bad-idea-
to-
use-a-pozidriv-screwdriver-on-a-phillips-head and others. They're
commonly mistaken and the wrong drivers used with the wrong screw
potentially damages both the driver and the screw.

The screws I was working on this morning appear to be Phillips. At
least there is no sign of the extra cross in the heads. I'm not sure
how common Posi-Drive is these days. I tend to buy most of my hardware
from McMaster Carr, and it's all regular Phillips. They don't even list
Posi-Drive as an option, and they have quite a range of drive styles
available.

It's possible that I've run into some Posi-Drives in the past, but the
vast majority of the screws I see these days are plain old Phillips. I
think Xcelite just isn't very careful with shaping the points on their
drivers. Either that, or the screw manufacturers are making a lot of
"Phillips" screws with shallow sockets. Or both...

Doug White

 

[Dan Cross]

In article <XnsA6EA8F29B8B04gwhitealummitedu@69.16.179.42>,
Doug White <gwhite@alum.mit.edu> wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

One problem is that the #1 tip is very pointy, and I think it is
bottoming out on some screws, which increases its tendency to slip.
This accellerates the damage & makes it more likely to slip the next
time. The #2 tip is definitely rounded and no where near as pointy.
The #0 seems to have a some of the same issue, but not as pronounced.

I'm going to have to replace the #1's (and may get another #0 as well),
and was wondering if folks have a favorite brand that grips screws well
and holds up better. I've had good luck with Wiha drivers in the past,
but mostly for smaller stuff (jeweller's screwdriver size).

I'm personally a big fan of Wera drivers, or Wiha for some of the
more esoteric stuff. Vessel seems to be highly recommended for JIS
stuff.

- Dan C.

 

[Mr.E]

On Mon, 26 Dec 2016 14:12:39 -0500, Michael Black <et472@ncf.ca> wrote:

On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips screw,
called something else, so while nominally a Phillips fits it, it's not
really a match?

So either you can't open the screws, or it ruins the screwdriver in the
process.

This would probably be a "JIS" screw. I have some Vessel brand and Wiha
drivers that fit them well.
--
Mr.E

 

[Benderthe.evilrobot]

"Doug White" <gwhite@alum.mit.edu> wrote in message
news:XnsA6EA8F29B8B04gwhitealummitedu@69.16.179.42...

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Firstly; AFAICR: Xcelite are part of the Cooper Tools group - The weller
TCP1 soldering iron was pretty much the industry standard - till the bean
counters at Cooper Tools decided that quality and reliability was an
unnecessary extravagance.

There are various standards for crosspoint screw heads. You can get Philips
and Posidrive just for starters - if you don't use the right tool; rapid
failure is a certainty.

Another I've encountered is the screws on Japanese motorcycles, an impact
driver didn't do any better than a regular T-bar screwdriver. Then I noticed
the bottom of the cross was peened shiny - the point of the screwdriver was
too long and the side blades were only half engaging. Just grazing the point
of the screwdriver bit on the grinder, allowed it to fully seat into the
crosspoint head. There was no more trouble after that.

 

[Benderthe.evilrobot]

"Michael Black" <et472@ncf.ca> wrote in message
news:alpine.LNX.2.02.1612261411400.23783@darkstar.example.org...

On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips screw,
called something else,

It has an alphanumeric designation.

The crosspoint head is shallower so the point of the bit bottoms out and the
side blades only half engage.

 

On Mon, 26 Dec 2016 19:35:10 GMT, Doug White <gwhite@alum.mit.edu>
wrote:

David Billington <djb@invalid.com> wrote in
news3rqf3$uur$1@dont-email.me:

On 26/12/16 19:12, Michael Black wrote:
On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite
Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I
outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and
the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick
vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I
had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish
the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips
screw, called something else, so while nominally a Phillips fits it,
it's not really a match?

So either you can't open the screws, or it ruins the screwdriver in
the process.

Michael
Are you thinking of a pozidrive screw, if so a Phillips screwdriver
shouldn't be used. See
http://bsfixings.uk/the-difference-between-phillips-and-pozi-screw and
http://mechanics.stackexchange.com/questions/17312/is-it-a-bad-idea-
to-
use-a-pozidriv-screwdriver-on-a-phillips-head and others. They're
commonly mistaken and the wrong drivers used with the wrong screw
potentially damages both the driver and the screw.

The screws I was working on this morning appear to be Phillips. At
least there is no sign of the extra cross in the heads. I'm not sure
how common Posi-Drive is these days. I tend to buy most of my hardware
from McMaster Carr, and it's all regular Phillips. They don't even list
Posi-Drive as an option, and they have quite a range of drive styles
available.

It's possible that I've run into some Posi-Drives in the past, but the
vast majority of the screws I see these days are plain old Phillips. I
think Xcelite just isn't very careful with shaping the points on their
drivers. Either that, or the screw manufacturers are making a lot of
"Phillips" screws with shallow sockets. Or both...

Doug White

I think it is both. Crappy Chinese screws built to miss a loose
standard combined with the same philosophy in building screw-drivers.

Actually many of the "international" screwdrivers are closer to a
Frearson or Reed-Prince driver. The Frearson (reed prince) has a sharp
point on the driver. Reed-Prince (Frearson) screws have a sharp square
corner on each quarter of the head, while a philips has a rounded
corner. A PoziDrived has the 4 light lines to identify it.

The drivers are NOT interchangeable.

Then you ban ad the JIS screws - The B1012s which are used on a lot of
Japanese equipment - if not too tight a Philips driver will work, but
the strip out if too tight. Actually closer to the Frearson driver
profile. but the Frearson cross slot is of a smaller diameter than the
JIS.

 

I used to use those Xcelites and had the same complaints. Boss is always going on about Wiha and he's right. The Wiha 31115 is your basic #2 screwdriver to replace the 'black handle' Xcelites. DigiKey has them for $9 in single quantity. I now have #000, #00, #0, #1 and #2. They fit like few others.

G²

 

[Fred McKenzie]

In article <XnsA6EA94637FF8Dgwhitealummitedu@69.16.179.43>,
Doug White <gwhite@alum.mit.edu> wrote:

It's possible that I've run into some Posi-Drives in the past, but the
vast majority of the screws I see these days are plain old Phillips. I
think Xcelite just isn't very careful with shaping the points on their
drivers. Either that, or the screw manufacturers are making a lot of
"Phillips" screws with shallow sockets. Or both...

Doug-

Granted that some Phillips screwdrivers are made of soft metal. However
most of my problems have been related to using the wrong size Phillips.
In your original post, you mentioned using #0, #1 and #2 on the same
screws.

I have found some Phillips drivers in auto parts stores that claimed to
be heat-treated. They seem to last longer, but eventually become
rounded as well.

Perhaps the suggestion to use "inserts" would do the job. I
occasionally use Phillips bits with a drill/driver, and have not had one
go bad yet. I think the drill/driver would be more abusive than a plain
Phillips screwdriver.

Fred

 

[Cydrome Leader]

In rec.crafts.metalworking Doug White <gwhite@alum.mit.edu> wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

One problem is that the #1 tip is very pointy, and I think it is
bottoming out on some screws, which increases its tendency to slip.
This accellerates the damage & makes it more likely to slip the next
time. The #2 tip is definitely rounded and no where near as pointy.
The #0 seems to have a some of the same issue, but not as pronounced.

I'm going to have to replace the #1's (and may get another #0 as well),
and was wondering if folks have a favorite brand that grips screws well
and holds up better. I've had good luck with Wiha drivers in the past,
but mostly for smaller stuff (jeweller's screwdriver size).

I'm with you on the black Xcelites. They're good, unless you're dealing
with shitty screws, which they cam out of.

There's no way in hell any vacuum cleaner is going to be made with JIS or
Pozidrive screws. Cheap, soft, poorly formed screws? You bet.

I have a feeling that the stainless steel screwdrivers from Craftsman with
the blue handles are a bit harder than usual steel drivers. If I need to
do something ugly like hammer a screwdriver into place, then torque it, I
grab one of those and they do well, and aren't silly priced. Mine were
made in the USA, but hell, they could be chinese junk now.

I've fussed with Wera "lasertip" drivers with ribbed tips that grip crappy
fasteners at trade shows, and they seemed OK. Never bought a set though.
Their website is unbearable to look at, so I've never located part numbers
and tried a tool distributor.

Wiha phillips drivers in the #1 and #2 side seem to run real small (too
narrow and too pointy), and slip out. Not impressed at all, and the #2 is
useless for standard electrical type work such as installing outlets.
Their precision drivers are good though.

For small JIS drivers, go Moody tools. They're made in the USA, and of
acceptable quality for the most part. I used these on camera gear, which
is JIS, and not phillips. You can really feel the difference. JIS drivers
on JIS screws do not feel like they want to cam out.

Never been dissapointed with a real Klein driver either. They work great.
The imitation stuff is horrible though.

 

[Doug White]

Fred McKenzie <fmmck@aol.com> wrote in news:fmmck-C67AE6.15484126122016@
46.sub-75-242-165.myvzw.com:

In article <XnsA6EA94637FF8Dgwhitealummitedu@69.16.179.43>,
Doug White <gwhite@alum.mit.edu> wrote:


It's possible that I've run into some Posi-Drives in the past, but
the
vast majority of the screws I see these days are plain old Phillips.
I
think Xcelite just isn't very careful with shaping the points on
their
drivers. Either that, or the screw manufacturers are making a lot of
"Phillips" screws with shallow sockets. Or both...

Doug-

Granted that some Phillips screwdrivers are made of soft metal.
However
most of my problems have been related to using the wrong size
Phillips.
In your original post, you mentioned using #0, #1 and #2 on the same
screws.

I have found some Phillips drivers in auto parts stores that claimed
to
be heat-treated. They seem to last longer, but eventually become
rounded as well.

Perhaps the suggestion to use "inserts" would do the job. I
occasionally use Phillips bits with a drill/driver, and have not had
one
go bad yet. I think the drill/driver would be more abusive than a
plain
Phillips screwdriver.

The screws I was fighting with today were down in deep holes, so there
was no way I could use an insert driver. The screws were small, and
looked to be well suited to a #1. When that didn't work, I managed to
get enough of a purchase with a #2 to get them out. One was in a
smaller hole (same sized screw), and I could only get the #1 down it.
If anything, I would have called the screws 1.5's...

The reason I mention #0, #1, & #2 was that I seem to have the most
trouble with the Xcelite #1 drivers. Both examples I have are more
pointy for their size than either the #0 or #2, and both #1's have the
tips trashed. I don't recall if I bought them at the same time, but I
don't think so.

Doug White

 

[Doug White]

"Benderthe.evilrobot" <Benderthe.evilrobot@virginmedia.com> wrote in
news2f8A.324421$X11.268116@fx19.am4:

"Michael Black" <et472@ncf.ca> wrote in message
news:alpine.LNX.2.02.1612261411400.23783@darkstar.example.org...
On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite
Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I
outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and
the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick
vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I
had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish
the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips
screw, called something else,

It has an alphanumeric designation.

The crosspoint head is shallower so the point of the bit bottoms out
and the side blades only half engage.

That sounds suspiciously like what I ran into today. Of course, it's
impossible to tell when they are an inch down a narrow hole.

I'll have to investigate getting a special set of drivers for small
appliance repair.

Doug White

 

"I have two #1 Phillips screw
drivers with trashed tips I need to replace."

Try grinding the end of the tip some and using them as a #2. That solves the problem of under broached heads. This is when the broaching tool wears out and does not go deep enough.

Years ago I had some #2s that were so good you could stick them in the screws in the sides of a VCR and they would stay there, supporting their own weight. Off brand, buck apiece at an auto parts store. Once I bought a couple and found out how good they are I went back and bought them all. But that was like 20 years ago and they are all gone. I cut some of the handles off for use i drilldrivers as well and they seemed to hold up.

There are also variants. For contractor use, Milwaukee makes a slightly different one. Only available as an insert though. But if you need to drive a four inch decking screw into a 2X4 and 4X4 and have a powerful enough drill, they grab well enough to break the head of the screw off. Had it happen, and those were some pretty beefy screws. These inserts are slightly narrower than a normal #2 and you can see the tip is cut a bit differently. Like they don't intend for it to bottom out.

 

[Benderthe.evilrobot]

"Doug White" <gwhite@alum.mit.edu> wrote in message
news:XnsA6EAAD0DCCF04gwhitealummitedu@69.16.179.42...

"Benderthe.evilrobot" <Benderthe.evilrobot@virginmedia.com> wrote in
news2f8A.324421$X11.268116@fx19.am4:


"Michael Black" <et472@ncf.ca> wrote in message
news:alpine.LNX.2.02.1612261411400.23783@darkstar.example.org...
On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite
Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I
outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and
the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick
vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I
had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish
the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips
screw, called something else,

It has an alphanumeric designation.

The crosspoint head is shallower so the point of the bit bottoms out
and the side blades only half engage.

That sounds suspiciously like what I ran into today. Of course, it's
impossible to tell when they are an inch down a narrow hole.

I'll have to investigate getting a special set of drivers for small
appliance repair.

Put some engineer's blue (or correction fluid) on the end of the
screwdriver, seat it in the screw head and give it a sharp tap with
something.

You may find that the coating on the pointy tip is compacted - you could
maybe try grinding a very small bit off the pointy bit and see if it gives
you more purchase.

 

[Doug White]

"Benderthe.evilrobot" <Benderthe.evilrobot@virginmedia.com> wrote in
news:5Bg8A.450261$122.354400@fx25.am4:

"Doug White" <gwhite@alum.mit.edu> wrote in message
news:XnsA6EAAD0DCCF04gwhitealummitedu@69.16.179.42...
"Benderthe.evilrobot" <Benderthe.evilrobot@virginmedia.com> wrote in
news2f8A.324421$X11.268116@fx19.am4:


"Michael Black" <et472@ncf.ca> wrote in message
news:alpine.LNX.2.02.1612261411400.23783@darkstar.example.org...
On Mon, 26 Dec 2016, Doug White wrote:

For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite
Phillips screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I
outfitted my electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago,
and the #1 Phillips tip is already toast. I took apart a dead
stick vacuum cleaner today that had a dozen screws down in holes,
and I had to get my other #1 driver from my woodworking toolbox to
finish the job. It is also showing signs of excess wear on the
tip.

Isn't the issue that there is some Japanese variant of the Phillips
screw, called something else,

It has an alphanumeric designation.

The crosspoint head is shallower so the point of the bit bottoms out
and the side blades only half engage.

That sounds suspiciously like what I ran into today. Of course, it's
impossible to tell when they are an inch down a narrow hole.

I'll have to investigate getting a special set of drivers for small
appliance repair.

Put some engineer's blue (or correction fluid) on the end of the
screwdriver, seat it in the screw head and give it a sharp tap with
something.

You may find that the coating on the pointy tip is compacted - you
could maybe try grinding a very small bit off the pointy bit and see
if it gives you more purchase.

That may work in the future, but for now, I have two #1 Phillips screw
drivers with trashed tips I need to replace. Which brings me back to my
original question...

Doug White