On Tuesday, April 25, 2000 1:00:00 AM UTC-6, John Hofstad-Parkhill wrote:
Try the correct size maybe. There are 3 VERY common sizes, and 2
lesser. Maybe screws from some place other than WalMart?

Ok. Enlighten me. My red-handled, genuine Robertson, Made in Canada driver
says screws # 8-9-10, measures approximately .110" at the tip tapering to
about .125". The magnetic bit I used doesn't taper quite as much, .116" to
.125". Down here in the states, screw sizes #8 and #10 are quite common. So,
if I'm so obviously using the wrong bit, then my conclusion is that it's too
easy to do so and a fundimental flaw in the Robertson design.

Ummm. Why not get some Robertson Baldhus drivers then. Overcomes
that problem.

I'm willing to bet that I could strike out on a trip and hit every hardware
store in a 10 mile radius of my house and not find even one of those. I
could get a lot of blank stares however. Do these Baldhus drivers sport the
same taper and reported ability to "hold" the screw? Or would I have to
switch bits?

This is not a new "fight" for me. I've heard about the "genuine" Robertson
and glowing reports of same. I'm familiar with McFeeleys. My experiences &
frustrations are shared by others. So either the reports of success with
Robertson are overstated, or the "real" thing simply isn't available here.
In either case it's moot. An investment in yet another set of drivers & bits
isn't so terrible. Phillips will have to stay regardless and I don't have
any problems driving them home, be it 1" or 5".

There is a difference to me in ordering screws & bits to "stock up" from
McFeeley's or whatever your mail-order resource might be, and having to send
some helper to the hardware store for another box of 3" deck screws. I can't
imagine stopping a construction project for the next delivery.
I have the exact same right here and that is an old screwdriver and they are better now. Find a chrome bit that is skinny shafted about five inchs long and I found it never wears out; if I find it; I will write back to you.