Screws and screwdrivers have a long and storied history, dating back thousands of years ago. Let’s explore the origins of screws and screwdrivers, as well as their many applications throughout history. We’ll also discuss the different types of screws and screwdrivers that have been developed over the years. So without further ado, let’s dive into the intriguing world of screws and screwdrivers!
Early Days
Although it’s not known who actually invented the first screws, they were introduced way back in the first century Common Era (CE). These screws were made of wood, and it wasn’t until the 15th century that metal screws and nuts were developed. The wooden screws were primarily used in a variety of presses, including wine presses, olive oil presses, and to press clothing. Metal screws at the time were more commonly used as they were more practical to secure objects together.
Heading to the 1770s, Jesse Ramsden, a British mathematician and instrument-maker, invented the first screw-cutting lathe. The lathe was used to produce a large number of screws with precise accuracy. It offered better threading and helped to standardize the screws that were being used at the time.
Then in 1798, David Wilkinson, an American inventor, created the first machine that could create threaded metal screws. Screws were widely used in shipbuilding, construction, and furniture-making, and many other trades. It was during the early 1800s when Henry Maudslay, a British engineer, created the first screw-propelled vehicle. It was quite an accomplishment at the time and is still recognized today.
Screwdrivers were also introduced back during the 15th century, but the first handheld ones were reported after 1800. Stepping back to 1744, the first screw-driving bit was invented, which was a flat-bladed bit for a carpenter’s brace. However, it wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that mass-production of screws and screwdrivers became possible and required for building projects. They became an essential tool for construction workers, carpenters, and other tradesmen, which led to lots of competition among manufacturers.
Later Years
During the 1840s was when standardized screws were developed. These screws had a 55-degree angle threading that you can still use today. In 1861, Joseph Whitworth, a British engineer, came up with a standardization system for screws that are continuously being used throughout the world. The screws are measured by the diameter of their thread and their length.
The Industrial Revolution spurred the development of new and improved screw types. And in the 1860s, William Sellers, an American engineer, created the first tapered screw. This allowed for a more secure grip and less stripping. The Phillips head screw was invented in the 1930s by Henry Phillips. It became the new standard for screws used in mass production. The Phillips head screw is famously recognized for its cross-shaped indentation.
Another screw to note during the 1900s was the Robertson Screw, which was invented by Peter Robertson in 1908. It was the first screw to be driven solely by a hand-operated tool. The Robertson Screw became a North American standard, with Ford Motor Company using them exclusively in their cars–particularly the Model T. This screw was a complete game-changer because the screwdriver could be used seamlessly. You no longer needed two hands to operate it, which made production much faster and easier–it almost felt automatic! This was heavily preferred over slotted drivers which frequently slipped and were generally harder to use, for obvious reasons.
Hex drivers were invented around the same time as the Robertson Screw. They were created as a result of the growing popularity of hex-headed bolts. The first commercially available hex driver was introduced by Bondhus Corporation during the 1960s. It was a great way to avoid paying royalties to Robertson by changing up the head shape. Hex drivers are still the preferred choice for many screws today, but there were and still are many different types to choose from.
Fast Forward
The Fastener Quality Act of 1990 was put into place to ensure the quality of screws and bolts being used in products manufactured in the United States. One notable example is in 2001 when researchers at UC Berkeley created the first-ever self-tightening screw. The screw can be tightened or loosened with just a few turns of a knob, making it very convenient.
American-made screws are now being used all over the world in a variety of applications, and they’re continuously being improved to make our lives easier. Automobile manufacturers use specifically designed license plate screws. Auto dealerships can find a large selection and purchase license plate screws from MBR Marketing at https://mbrmarketing.com/dealer-supplies/license-plate-accessories/license-plate-screws/.
With such high demand, it’s no surprise that American screws are even used for Aerospace inventory. They’re required to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures.
The Phillips screwdriver was another game-changing invention during the early years of the 20th century. The cross-shaped design of the head allows for more torque to be applied, making it easier to drive screws into harder materials. Not much development was made until 1967, which was when the Torx driver was introduced. The screwdriver was known to prevent the tool from popping out, something that still happened with the Phillips screwdriver–not intentional, of course.
The Torx screwdriver became popular and was used by many industries, including the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. It prevented tampering, making it the preferred choice for many. Nowadays, there are all sorts of screws and screwdrivers to choose from depending on the application.
Technology has advanced to the point where power drills and impact drivers are the norm. These drills can come cordless, are incredibly lightweight, work powerfully, and are easy to maneuver. They make it possible to drive screws into even the most difficult-to-reach places with ease. Of course, non-electric options are still available and favored by some.
Meanwhile, screws have also evolved. They now come in a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, brass, and even titanium. You can find screws of any size for just about any application imaginable. Even though screws and screwdrivers have been around for centuries, they’re still being improved and perfected to this day.
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