Screwdriver-Phillips

The most common version of the Phillips screwdriver is the Back-Side Phillips; a #2 Phillips driver that is located in the same location as the Corkscrew is often located on the back-side of many knives. Some models of the Swiss Army Knife differ only by their inclusion of either the Back-Side-Phillips or the Corkscrew as the design of the knives/tools does not allow both to be included.

There has been at least 5 versions of the Back-Side Phillips screwdriver produced (Recent research indicates the number is closer to 8). The older models have a squared off shank rather than round or cylindrical one used today. Quite early vintage versions have a File incorporated into the inner flat side, and might be slightly larger than the current, a #2 size, Phillips. The current tool is slimmed down from past versions and shaped to fit a wider range of screw heads. Somewhat later versions of the Back-Side Phillips had a slot cut into them to create a Can Key, which is used as a key to open food tins designed specifically with a compatible opening system. These tins were quite popular in the 50s through the 70s. The Can-Key was available on both round a square versions of the screwdriver; it is now discontinued, but can help in dating an older model.

The Phillips screwdriver was invented by Henry Phillips in the 1930's with the intent to provide a safer alternative to the traditional straight-edged screwdriver. Henry Phillips wanted a screwdriver that would prevent a damaging process called over torquing. This feature is also its weakness.



See also: The In-line Phillips is another common version of the Phillips screwdriver on various models.

See also: The Can Opener has a Slotted Driver tip that is also designed to be used with Phillips drive screws.

See also: The 58mm Cap Lifter is available with a small #00/#0 magnetic Phillips.

See also: The Bit Driver is the most recent Phillips screwdriver that can use several hex-drive Phillips, Pozidrive, and other bits.