1940 Special Tools - Phillips Screw Driver

[hudsontech]

I'm scanning a 1940 Special Tools Supplement book. One of the special tools listed is a Phillips Screw Driver - Part No. B 206 ($.50) fits 1936 to 1940 models; Part No. B 207 ($.70) says Inclusive, whatever that means.
Screw driver for use on all Phillips Screws, says the description at the bottom of the descriptions.
Sort of interesting, actually. I'd take it to mean that Phillips head screws were new to the scene at the time, thus the need for a "special tool" to remove them.


Hudsonly,
Alex B

[mars55]

You are probability right in that a phillips screwdriver would be a special tool in 1940. The Phillips screw and its driver was invented by Henry F. Phillips, of Portland, Oregon in 1934-1936, for car makers who needed a screw that could be driven with more torque and that would hold more tightly than slotted screws. Car makers also needed a screw that would center quickly and easily, and could be used efficiently on an assembly line.

The invention was initially rejected, but eventually accepted by the American Screw Co., who in 1936 persuaded General Motors to use the Phillips head screw in manufacturing Cadillacs.

Unfortunately, the tool became so widely copied that Phillips lost the patent to his invention in 1949.

[SamJ]

Now a Roberston...there's a screw you could love, if you love a good screw (and who doesn't)?

[4Hud]

Oh yes,the Robertson screw a delightfull Canadian contribution to the fastener world. Bob C.