Why Robertson Screws Make Awkward Jobs So Much Easier

If you’ve ever tried to drive a screw above your head, inside a cabinet, underneath a bench, or into a spot where you can barely get your drill straight, you’ll know how frustrating a simple screw can become.

The screw falls off the bit. The driver slips. You need one hand to hold the screw, another to hold the drill — and somehow a third hand to hold whatever you’re actually trying to install.

This is one of those situations where the Robertson square drive really shines.

The Screw Stays on the Bit

One of the biggest advantages of a Robertson screw is how securely the square driver bit fits into the recess of the screw.

With a good-fitting Robertson bit, you can place the screw onto the driver before positioning it against the timber.

That might sound like a small advantage, but when you’re:

• working above your head
• reaching into a cabinet
• underneath a deck
• installing shelving
• working inside a tight corner
• using pocket holes
• trying to hold two pieces of timber together

…it can make the job considerably easier.

Instead of trying to hold the screw in position with one hand while operating the drill with the other, the driver can do much of the work for you.

Less Cam-Out

Cam-out happens when the driver bit slips or jumps out of the screw head while you're driving it.

Apart from being annoying, it can damage the screw head, damage your driver bit and potentially mark the material you're working with.

The square shape of a Robertson drive provides excellent engagement between the bit and the screw.

That means you can apply plenty of torque while maintaining good control.

It’s particularly useful when driving longer screws or working in positions where you can't apply much downward pressure to the drill.

Great for One-Handed Driving

There are plenty of jobs where you really need your other hand.

Maybe you're holding a piece of timber in position.

Maybe you're steadying yourself on a ladder.

Maybe you're trying to keep two pieces aligned while inserting the first screw.

A Robertson screw's ability to stay securely on the driver makes one-handed screw driving much easier.

Once you've become accustomed to putting a screw on the bit, positioning it and driving it straight in, going back to a drive system that constantly drops screws can be frustrating.

Especially Handy for Pocket Holes

Pocket-hole joinery is another area where Robertson screws are right at home.

Pocket holes require the screw to travel down an angled hole where keeping the driver properly engaged is important.

The positive engagement of the Robertson square drive helps transfer torque efficiently and makes driving and removing pocket-hole screws straightforward.

It’s one of the reasons square-drive screws have become such a popular choice for woodworking and cabinetry.

The Right Bit Makes a Difference

Like any drive system, using the correct driver bit is important.

Your Robertson bit should fit snugly into the screw head without excessive movement.

A properly matched bit gives you the secure engagement that Robertson screws are known for and helps protect both the screw and the driver.

Sometimes the Little Things Make the Biggest Difference

There are plenty of reasons to choose a screw — strength, material, coating, length and thread design all matter.

But usability matters too.

When you're halfway underneath a workbench trying to install something with one hand, you'll appreciate a screw that actually stays attached to the driver.

It’s a simple feature, but it's one of the reasons people who start using Robertson screws often don't want to go back.

At Screw it Screws, we specialise in Robertson square-drive screws for woodworking, construction, pocket-hole joinery and everyday projects.

Because when it comes to screws, we only sell Robertson.