Some years ago, Supascrews were introduced, and mixed packs were sold,
complete with cross head driver. Yellow plastic tray, with clear flip
up lid. Anyway, the name seemed to disappear, although Twinqwik
surfaced, and seemed to be the same.

Having stocks of a whole range of sizes (and several drivers), I want to
top up a few, but neither name seems common now. Does anyone know
whether Pozi heads are the same? I don't want to buy, then find the
head of the drive is similar, but not quite the same.
--
Graeme

"Graeme" wrote in message
...

Some years ago, Supascrews were introduced, and mixed packs were sold, complete with
cross head driver. Yellow plastic tray, with clear flip up lid. Anyway, the name
seemed to disappear, although Twinqwik surfaced, and seemed to be the same.

Having stocks of a whole range of sizes (and several drivers), I want to top up a few,
but neither name seems common now.

As with Goldscrews etc they're just trade names. Twinquick sounds like
a twinthread screw. In theory twinthreads are easier to start and
drive, which makes them popular with anyone using a lot on a daily
basis while single threads have a beefier thread which gives better
purchase especially in softwood and MDF.


Does anyone know whether Pozi heads are the same? I don't want to buy, then find the
head of the drive is similar, but not quite the same.
--
Graeme

Pozi heads - the actual indentation on the screwhead, bits and screwdrivers
come in 3 sizes.

Its sometimes possible to get away with using the wrong size, usually
accompanied by a crunching noise, a slipped driver and possible swearing.


michael adams

....

In message , michael
adams writes

Its sometimes possible to get away with using the wrong size, usually
accompanied by a crunching noise, a slipped driver and possible swearing.

Which is exactly what I am trying to avoid. I don't really want to buy
a box or three of 200s, then find they don't match the driver.
--
Graeme

"Graeme" wrote in message
...
In message , michael adams
writes

Its sometimes possible to get away with using the wrong size, usually
accompanied by a crunching noise, a slipped driver and possible swearing.

Which is exactly what I am trying to avoid. I don't really want to buy a box or three
of 200s, then find they don't match the driver.
--
Graeme

You buy screws to match the job, and then choose the appropriate size
bit, if using a power screwdriver, or screwdriver, to fit the screw.


michael adams

....

On 5/16/2017 8:21 PM, michael adams wrote:
"Graeme" wrote in message
...
In message , michael adams
writes

Its sometimes possible to get away with using the wrong size, usually
accompanied by a crunching noise, a slipped driver and possible swearing.

Which is exactly what I am trying to avoid. I don't really want to buy a box or three
of 200s, then find they don't match the driver.
--
Graeme

You buy screws to match the job, and then choose the appropriate size
bit, if using a power screwdriver, or screwdriver, to fit the screw.


michael adams

...


Exactly. There are only three sizes, you should be able to tell the size
of the screwdriver bit at a glance. With a bit of practice you will be
able to recognise the screw heads too. And it is normally immediately
obvious if you have got the wrong one.

Incidentally, if you have much screwing to do, you might be impressed at
how good cordless "impact drivers" are. This is one random example

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Makita-TD11...=impact+driver

Note that it does not include the battery or charger. I actually have
the 14.4 volt Makita, personally I would not consider any lower voltage
than that.

You should buy the tougher bits made for impact drivers, but they are
not all that expensive. The bits do wear out, but I find I damage screw
heads less often with these than with a conventional drill/driver. The
combination of power and controllability is really remarkable.

There is some price variation in screws. Trade people normally use the
more expensive brands such as Spax or Screwfix Turbo Gold or Goldscrews.
FWIW I normally use the cheapest (such as Quicksilver). Sometimes an
impact driver will snap the head off.

Most woodscrews these days are Pozidrive, but a few specialist types
come with Torx or hex (allen-key type) heads. The bits are not expensive.

newshound wrote:
On 5/16/2017 8:21 PM, michael adams wrote:
"Graeme" wrote in message
...
In message ,
michael adams
writes

Its sometimes possible to get away with using the wrong size, usually
accompanied by a crunching noise, a slipped driver and possible
swearing.

Which is exactly what I am trying to avoid. I don't really want to
buy a box or three
of 200s, then find they don't match the driver.
--
Graeme

You buy screws to match the job, and then choose the appropriate size
bit, if using a power screwdriver, or screwdriver, to fit the screw.


michael adams

...


Exactly. There are only three sizes, you should be able to tell the size
of the screwdriver bit at a glance. With a bit of practice you will be
able to recognise the screw heads too. And it is normally immediately
obvious if you have got the wrong one.

Incidentally, if you have much screwing to do, you might be impressed at
how good cordless "impact drivers" are. This is one random example

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Makita-TD11...=impact+driver


Note that it does not include the battery or charger. I actually have
the 14.4 volt Makita, personally I would not consider any lower voltage
than that.

You should buy the tougher bits made for impact drivers, but they are
not all that expensive. The bits do wear out, but I find I damage screw
heads less often with these than with a conventional drill/driver. The
combination of power and controllability is really remarkable.

There is some price variation in screws. Trade people normally use the
more expensive brands such as Spax or Screwfix Turbo Gold or Goldscrews.
FWIW I normally use the cheapest (such as Quicksilver). Sometimes an
impact driver will snap the head off.

Most woodscrews these days are Pozidrive, but a few specialist types
come with Torx or hex (allen-key type) heads. The bits are not expensive.
With a bit more of a glance you can also tell the difference between
Philips and pozidrive bits.

In message , Bob Minchin
writes

With a bit more of a glance you can also tell the difference between
Philips and pozidrive bits.

Thanks all. Yes, I can easily tell the difference when actually looking
at the screws, but was hoping to buy supplies online, where seeing the
difference is not so easy. We were supposed to be going to B&Q today,
but that has been cancelled (don't ask), and given that it is a 90+ mile
round trip, I don't get there very often.

Supascrews were introduced by GKN at least 30 years ago (1980ish?), and
I bought a fairly substantial supply, from 6 x 1/2 to 12 x 4, and have
been using them ever since. GKN subsequently withdrew from that market.
Back then, most ordinary wood screws were slot headed, not cross.

My question is not about the difference between Philips and Pozi, or the
different sizes, but whether the GKN cross head is still standard, or
whether it was a one off unique to GKN, and now long gone. The screws
were around for years after GKN withdrew from the market, but supplies
have now all but disappeared.
--
Graeme

"Graeme" wrote in message
...
In message , Bob Minchin
writes

With a bit more of a glance you can also tell the difference between Philips and
pozidrive bits.

Thanks all. Yes, I can easily tell the difference when actually looking at the screws,
but was hoping to buy supplies online, where seeing the difference is not so easy. We
were supposed to be going to B&Q today, but that has been cancelled (don't ask), and
given that it is a 90+ mile round trip, I don't get there very often.

Supascrews were introduced by GKN at least 30 years ago (1980ish?), and I bought a
fairly substantial supply, from 6 x 1/2 to 12 x 4, and have been using them ever since.
GKN subsequently withdrew from that market. Back then, most ordinary wood screws were
slot headed, not cross.

My question is not about the difference between Philips and Pozi, or the different
sizes, but whether the GKN cross head is still standard,

Most woodscrews on sale nowadays are pozidrive. In order to buy and
use woodscrews in the future, you'll need to buy a pozidrive screwdriver.
You'll most likely only need a number 2 as this fits all screw sizes
up to 10 (4.5mm). No 1 fits mainly screws on electrical fittings etc while
no 3 fits very large woodscrews or mainly pozi heads on things like
M6 machine screws.

A number 2 pozi screwdriver on its own will cost a few quid at most.

(This assumes you have no interest in powered screwdrivers
which all come with bits which are otherwise readily available
for a few quid)

If you like, you can spend three times as much for a set including
a no 3 which most likely you'll never use. Possibly in a nice
case or wallet which simply take up space.

Armed with your number 2 pozi driver you can see if this fits the
GKN screws.

Other than that, quite honestly the only reason I can think of why
anyone would insist on matching screws bought 30 years ago was

a) if these screws were anodised a particular colour i.e as in
Turbogold and it was necessary to match these when repairing
a 30 year old item

b) it was a for a restoration job which had to be authentic
in every respect - i.e usung original materials.

Given possible differences in colour it might not be possible
to mix the GKN's with other screw where these will visible.

However given the prices of screws in places like Toolstatio
nowadays, your foresight in stocking up thirty years ago at what
seems like bargain prices at the time, might with hindsight have
been rendered uneccessary.

This is far from uncommon as lots of independent DIY shops
were closing up around 30 years ago and selling off stock
on the cheap.

However nowadays by comparison the likes of Toolstation in particular
are almost giving the same stuff away.


michael adams

....

michael adams wrote:

Most woodscrews on sale nowadays are pozidrive. In order to buy and
use woodscrews in the future, you'll need to buy a pozidrive screwdriver.
You'll most likely only need a number 2 as this fits all screw sizes
up to 10 (4.5mm). No 1 fits mainly screws on electrical fittings etc while
no 3 fits very large woodscrews or mainly pozi heads on things like
M6 machine screws.

No. 2 Pozi fits up to 5mm screws in my experience, certainly all the
Screwfix 5mm screws I have are no. 2 pozi. It's 6mm and up that are
no. 3 pozi.

--
Chris Green
·

On Wednesday, 17 May 2017 07:46:15 UTC+1, Graeme wrote:
In message , Bob Minchin
writes

With a bit more of a glance you can also tell the difference between
Philips and pozidrive bits.

Thanks all. Yes, I can easily tell the difference when actually looking
at the screws, but was hoping to buy supplies online, where seeing the
difference is not so easy. We were supposed to be going to B&Q today,
but that has been cancelled (don't ask), and given that it is a 90+ mile
round trip, I don't get there very often.

Supascrews were introduced by GKN at least 30 years ago (1980ish?), and
I bought a fairly substantial supply, from 6 x 1/2 to 12 x 4, and have
been using them ever since. GKN subsequently withdrew from that market.
Back then, most ordinary wood screws were slot headed, not cross.

My question is not about the difference between Philips and Pozi, or the
different sizes, but whether the GKN cross head is still standard, or
whether it was a one off unique to GKN, and now long gone. The screws
were around for years after GKN withdrew from the market, but supplies
have now all but disappeared.

All 'cross head' screws are either pozi or philips. Most diy size screws are PZ2, except plasterboard screws which are often PH2. The smallest are PZ1. PZ0 & PZ3 aren't often seen on diy size screws.

PZ and PH are easily differentiated, PZ have corner bits in, PH don't.


NT

In message , michael
adams writes

A number 2 pozi screwdriver on its own will cost a few quid at most.

Michael, thank you for a well thought out and comprehensive response.

It isn't so much that I stocked up as in duplicated boxes of the GKN
screws, just that I acquired a wide range of sizes and lengths, all
sharing the same driver. Yes, I could easily buy several Pozi drivers,
but having two incompatible sets of anything is always a pain. Just
having Philips and GKN is bad enough.

Anyway, I only really need one size topping up at present, and a box of
250 is a couple of pounds delivered, so I'll bite the bullet, and will
report back as to whether or not they fit my GKN drivers.

--
Graeme

On 17/05/2017 07:46, Graeme wrote:
8

My question is not about the difference between Philips and Pozi, or the
different sizes, but whether the GKN cross head is still standard, or
whether it was a one off unique to GKN, and now long gone. The screws
were around for years after GKN withdrew from the market, but supplies
have now all but disappeared.

I think they were a knock off of standard pozis.

If you want a better screw use torx head screws they are much better
than pozi.

On 5/17/2017 10:48 AM, wrote:
On Wednesday, 17 May 2017 07:46:15 UTC+1, Graeme wrote:


All 'cross head' screws are either pozi or philips. Most diy size screws are PZ2, except plasterboard screws which are often PH2. The smallest are PZ1. PZ0 & PZ3 aren't often seen on diy size screws.


No, there is also JIS

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1484267

On Wed, 17 May 2017 13:33:40 +0100, lid
wrote:

On 17/05/2017 07:46, Graeme wrote:
8

My question is not about the difference between Philips and Pozi, or the
different sizes, but whether the GKN cross head is still standard, or
whether it was a one off unique to GKN, and now long gone. The screws
were around for years after GKN withdrew from the market, but supplies
have now all but disappeared.

I think they were a knock off of standard pozis.

If you want a better screw use torx head screws they are much better
than pozi.

I remember Supascrews coming out - I was still at work so yes, must have
been about 30 years ago.
Rather alarmingly, one claim was that they can tolerate up to 10 deg. of
misalignment of the driver - we never managed to find the figure for Pozis.

I still have a couple of Pz 1 drivers from those days and they're v. useful
at times, as is the Pz 3.
--
Peter.
The gods will stay away
whilst religions hold sway

wrote:

All 'cross head' screws are either pozi or philips.

Except those that are JIS (Japanese Industry Standard) you might not
meet them very often unless you're into motorcycle maintenance ...

On Wednesday, 17 May 2017 07:46:15 UTC+1, Graeme wrote:
In message , Bob Minchin
writes

With a bit more of a glance you can also tell the difference between
Philips and pozidrive bits.

Thanks all. Yes, I can easily tell the difference when actually looking
at the screws, but was hoping to buy supplies online, where seeing the
difference is not so easy. We were supposed to be going to B&Q today,
but that has been cancelled (don't ask), and given that it is a 90+ mile
round trip, I don't get there very often.

Supascrews were introduced by GKN at least 30 years ago (1980ish?), and
I bought a fairly substantial supply, from 6 x 1/2 to 12 x 4, and have
been using them ever since. GKN subsequently withdrew from that market.
Back then, most ordinary wood screws were slot headed, not cross.

My question is not about the difference between Philips and Pozi, or the
different sizes, but whether the GKN cross head is still standard, or
whether it was a one off unique to GKN, and now long gone. The screws
were around for years after GKN withdrew from the market, but supplies
have now all but disappeared.
--
Graeme

Screwfix is a good place to start.
All the screw heads are identified.

On Tuesday, 16 May 2017 18:45:41 UTC+1, Graeme wrote:
Some years ago, Supascrews were introduced, and mixed packs were sold,
complete with cross head driver. Yellow plastic tray, with clear flip
up lid. Anyway, the name seemed to disappear, although Twinqwik
surfaced, and seemed to be the same.

Having stocks of a whole range of sizes (and several drivers), I want to
top up a few, but neither name seems common now. Does anyone know
whether Pozi heads are the same? I don't want to buy, then find the
head of the drive is similar, but not quite the same.
--
Graeme

You can get a screwdriver handle that accepts power screwdriver bits. Mixed bits come in boxes of around 20 or so.

The bits will fit in an ordinary (mains) electric drill though you have to be careful.

On Tue, 16 May 2017 18:44:53 +0100, Graeme
wrote:
snip

Does anyone know
whether Pozi heads are the same? I don't want to buy, then find the
head of the drive is similar, but not quite the same.


The text on this page seems to state that the SUPADRIV was an
improvement on the Pozi.

https://www.google.com/patents/US4464957

Good comparison picture of the two heads at stage 14 he-

http://www.instructables.com/id/When...ot-a-Phillips/

On 16/05/2017 20:47, newshound wrote:
On 5/16/2017 8:21 PM, michael adams wrote:
"Graeme" wrote in message
...
In message ,
michael adams
writes

Its sometimes possible to get away with using the wrong size, usually
accompanied by a crunching noise, a slipped driver and possible
swearing.

Which is exactly what I am trying to avoid. I don't really want to
buy a box or three
of 200s, then find they don't match the driver.
--
Graeme

You buy screws to match the job, and then choose the appropriate size
bit, if using a power screwdriver, or screwdriver, to fit the screw.


michael adams

...


Exactly. There are only three sizes, you should be able to tell the size
of the screwdriver bit at a glance. With a bit of practice you will be
able to recognise the screw heads too. And it is normally immediately
obvious if you have got the wrong one.

Incidentally, if you have much screwing to do, you might be impressed at
how good cordless "impact drivers" are. This is one random example

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Makita-TD11...=impact+driver


Note that it does not include the battery or charger. I actually have
the 14.4 volt Makita, personally I would not consider any lower voltage
than that.

90% of my work is done with a 10.8v Makita impact driver, apart from
decking when I use a 14.4v.

You should buy the tougher bits made for impact drivers, but they are
not all that expensive. The bits do wear out, but I find I damage screw
heads less often with these than with a conventional drill/driver. The
combination of power and controllability is really remarkable.

Interesting, my experience is that the expenssive ones snap just as
often as the cheapwr ones. I use the DeWalt ones, about £5 for a box of 20.

There is some price variation in screws. Trade people normally use the
more expensive brands such as Spax or Screwfix Turbo Gold or Goldscrews.
FWIW I normally use the cheapest (such as Quicksilver). Sometimes an
impact driver will snap the head off.

I've using the Screw Tite from Toolstation, excellent (a bit cheaper
than Turbo Gold) if using in timber, or the Quicksilver for use in wall
plugs.

Most woodscrews these days are Pozidrive, but a few specialist types
come with Torx or hex (allen-key type) heads. The bits are not expensive.


--
Dave
The Medway Handyman

In message , Geo
writes

The text on this page seems to state that the SUPADRIV was an
improvement on the Pozi.

https://www.google.com/patents/US4464957

Interesting. Thank you.
--
Graeme

On Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 3:21:29 PM UTC+1, Andy Burns wrote:
wrote:

All 'cross head' screws are either pozi or philips.

Except those that are JIS (Japanese Industry Standard) you might not
meet them very often unless you're into motorcycle maintenance ...

James May's 'The Assembler' series on BBC4 had James talking about JIS while putting together a Fender Stratocaster. Probably not as common a DIY pastime as working on bikes though.

On Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 3:21:29 PM UTC+1, Andy Burns wrote:
wrote:

All 'cross head' screws are either pozi or philips.

Except those that are JIS (Japanese Industry Standard) you might not
meet them very often unless you're into motorcycle maintenance ...

James May's 'The Assembler' series on BBC4 had James talking about JIS while putting together a Fender Stratocaster. Probably not as common a DIY pastime as working on bikes though.

In article , michael
adams wrote:

"Graeme" wrote in message
...

Some years ago, Supascrews were introduced, and mixed packs were sold,
complete with cross head driver. Yellow plastic tray, with clear flip
up lid. Anyway, the name seemed to disappear, although Twinqwik
surfaced, and seemed to be the same.

Having stocks of a whole range of sizes (and several drivers), I want
to top up a few, but neither name seems common now.

As with Goldscrews etc they're just trade names. Twinquick sounds like a
twinthread screw. In theory twinthreads are easier to start and drive,
which makes them popular with anyone using a lot on a daily basis while
single threads have a beefier thread which gives better purchase
especially in softwood and MDF.


Does anyone know whether Pozi heads are the same? I don't want to buy,
then find the head of the drive is similar, but not quite the same. --
Graeme

Pozi heads - the actual indentation on the screwhead, bits and
screwdrivers come in 3 sizes.

0, 1, 2 & 3. I have all of them. The biggest was for a car door catch.

--
from KT24 in Surrey, England

Just to bring this full circle, having now purchased some modern Pozi
screws, I'm delighted to say that my original and ancient GKN drivers
are a perfect fit. Not surprising, given that one of the links supplied
quoted GKN as the inventor of Pozi.
--
Graeme

On Wed, 24 May 2017 22:30:52 +0100, Graeme wrote:

Just to bring this full circle, having now purchased some modern Pozi
screws, I'm delighted to say that my original and ancient GKN drivers
are a perfect fit.

They should be.

Not surprising, given that one of the links supplied
quoted GKN as the inventor of Pozi.

If it said that GKN were the inventor then it was incorrect, GKN licenced the
design from the Philips Screw Company.

The trademark was first registered in 1960

https://trademarks.justia.com/720/91...-72091320.html

--

On Wed, 24 May 2017 20:15:33 +0100, charles wrote:


Pozi heads - the actual indentation on the screwhead, bits and
screwdrivers come in 3 sizes.

0, 1, 2 & 3. I have all of them. The biggest was for a car door catch.

PZ4 also exists

http://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-im...ack-of-3/19364

https://www.distrelec.de/en/screwdri...200/p/30035131

--

On Wednesday, 24 May 2017 23:34:28 UTC+1, The Other Mike wrote:
On Wed, 24 May 2017 20:15:33 +0100, charles wrote:


Pozi heads - the actual indentation on the screwhead, bits and
screwdrivers come in 3 sizes.

0, 1, 2 & 3. I have all of them. The biggest was for a car door catch.

PZ4 also exists

http://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-im...ack-of-3/19364

https://www.distrelec.de/en/screwdri...200/p/30035131

and PZ00


NT

On Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 6:45:41 PM UTC+1, Graeme wrote:
Some years ago, Supascrews were introduced, and mixed packs were sold,
complete with cross head driver. Yellow plastic tray, with clear flip
up lid. Anyway, the name seemed to disappear, although Twinqwik
surfaced, and seemed to be the same.

Having stocks of a whole range of sizes (and several drivers), I want to
top up a few, but neither name seems common now. Does anyone know
whether Pozi heads are the same? I don't want to buy, then find the
head of the drive is similar, but not quite the same.
--
Graeme

these are different screws with different shaped driver tip, can be identified from pozi by head pozi is marked by 2 lines in form of a cross, supa by a single line Philips is not marked, I don't know if they are still available.

Well two years later, maybe he has given up?
While on this subject what are the screws called with a kind of posi head
but with a slot as well?
Brian

--
----- --
This newsgroup posting comes to you directly from...
The Sofa of Brian Gaff...

Blind user, so no pictures please
Note this Signature is meaningless.!
wrote in message
...
On Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 6:45:41 PM UTC+1, Graeme wrote:
Some years ago, Supascrews were introduced, and mixed packs were sold,
complete with cross head driver. Yellow plastic tray, with clear flip
up lid. Anyway, the name seemed to disappear, although Twinqwik
surfaced, and seemed to be the same.

Having stocks of a whole range of sizes (and several drivers), I want to
top up a few, but neither name seems common now. Does anyone know
whether Pozi heads are the same? I don't want to buy, then find the
head of the drive is similar, but not quite the same.
--
Graeme

these are different screws with different shaped driver tip, can be
identified from pozi by head pozi is marked by 2 lines in form of a cross,
supa by a single line Philips is not marked, I don't know if they are
still available.

Brian Gaff wrote:

what are the screws called with a kind of posi head but with a slot as well?

Modulo.