Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Why don’t all screws use the same type of head? From the humble flathead to Phillips, Robertson, Torx, and hex, each screw-drive design was created to solve a different problem.
In this episode of History of Simple Things, we explore the surprisingly interesting history behind screw heads and discover why some are designed to grip better, handle more torque, resist slipping, or make mass production easier. We’ll look at how these designs evolved and why certain types became common in cars, furniture, machinery, electronics, and everyday household items.
That strange shape on top of a screw isn’t just there for looks—it’s the result of decades of engineering and manufacturing evolution.
Which screw head do you use the most?
⏱️ Timestamps
00:03 - Why Are There So Many Screw Heads?
01:03 - A Brief History of Screw Heads
02:15 - The Old Flathead
03:10 - Why Phillips Became So Popular
04:09 - The Robertson: The Square That Grips
04:57 - Torx: When You Need More Grip
05:51 - And Then There’s Hex
06:36 - Why Not Just Use One Type?
#HistoryOfSimpleThings #Screws #Engineering #Tools #Hardware #MechanicalEngineering #DIY #HowItsMade #Technology #History #Manufacturing #Automotive
Why don’t all screws use the same type of head? From the humble flathead to Phillips, Robertson, Torx, and hex, each screw-drive design was created to solve a different problem.
In this episode of History of Simple Things, we explore the surprisingly interesting history behind screw heads and discover why some are designed to grip better, handle more torque, resist slipping, or make mass production easier. We’ll look at how these designs evolved and why certain types became common in cars, furniture, machinery, electronics, and everyday household items.
That strange shape on top of a screw isn’t just there for looks—it’s the result of decades of engineering and manufacturing evolution.
Which screw head do you use the most?
⏱️ Timestamps
00:03 - Why Are There So Many Screw Heads?
01:03 - A Brief History of Screw Heads
02:15 - The Old Flathead
03:10 - Why Phillips Became So Popular
04:09 - The Robertson: The Square That Grips
04:57 - Torx: When You Need More Grip
05:51 - And Then There’s Hex
06:36 - Why Not Just Use One Type?
#HistoryOfSimpleThings #Screws #Engineering #Tools #Hardware #MechanicalEngineering #DIY #HowItsMade #Technology #History #Manufacturing #Automotive
