Robertson Screw: Difference between revisions

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{{Breadcrumb|Housing and construction}}
[[File:329px-Robertson screw.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Robertson screw: a revolutionary change in the fastener industry]]
[[File:329px-Robertson screw.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Robertson screw: a revolutionary change in the fastener industry]]
=Basics=
In 1908, a travelling salesman, Peter L. Robertson of Milton, Ontario, Canada, invented a revolutionary screw and screwdriver with a socket head. The '''Robertson socket head screw''' became instantly very popular with craftsmen because it was self-centering and could be driven with one hand.  
In 1908, a travelling salesman, Peter L. Robertson of Milton, Ontario, Canada, invented a revolutionary screw and screwdriver with a socket head. The '''Robertson socket head screw''' became instantly very popular with craftsmen because it was self-centering and could be driven with one hand.  


''"This is considered by many as the biggest little invention of the twentieth century so far,"'' Robertson said.  
''"This is considered by many as the biggest little invention of the twentieth century so far,"'' Robertson said.  


Robertson was even in negotiations with Henry Ford, who recognized the time-saving potential of the screw in auto manufacturing. Ford estimated that this invention could save upwards of 2 hours of assembly time per vehicle. Unfortunately, Ford and Robertson could not reach a licensing agreement. Because of such licensing and patent issues, the breakthrough of the socket head screw was never realized. The first patent was issued in 1909 and the last patent expired in 1964. The screw remains very popular in Canada today but is hardly known anywhere else. What if Robertson had decided to '''open source''' his invention ???
Robertson was even in negotiations with Henry Ford, who recognized the time-saving potential of the screw in auto manufacturing. Ford estimated that this invention could save upwards of 2 hours of assembly time per vehicle. Unfortunately, Ford and Robertson could not reach a licensing agreement. Because of such licensing and patent issues, the breakthrough of the socket head screw was never realized. The first patent was issued in 1909 and the last patent expired in 1964. The screw remains very popular in Canada today but is hardly known anywhere else.  


==Links==
=Internal Links=
*
 
=External Links=
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_screw#Robertson The Wikipedia Page on the Robertson Screw]
*[https://www.popularwoodworking.com/questions-and-answers/q-a-square-drive-vs-phillips-head-screws/ An Article by "Popular Woodworking" Titled "Q & A: Square Drive vs. Phillips-Head Screws" ]
*[https://www.instructables.com/When-a-Phillips-is-not-a-Phillips/ An Article on "Instructables" Titled "When a Phillips Is Not a Phillips!" ]
* Treehugger article: [http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/01/pentalobe-screw-apple-war.php The Pentalobe Screw, And Apple's War Against Self-Repair] (''"If you can't open it, you don't own it"'' comes to mind).  
* Treehugger article: [http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/01/pentalobe-screw-apple-war.php The Pentalobe Screw, And Apple's War Against Self-Repair] (''"If you can't open it, you don't own it"'' comes to mind).  
* Wikipedia: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_screw#Robertson Robertson Screw]  
* Company: [http://www.robertsonscrew.com/ Robertson Inc.]
* Company: [http://www.robertsonscrew.com/ Robertson Inc.]
* Google patents: [http://www.google.com/patents/about?id=CAJHAAAAEBAJ&dq=lymburner+robertson+screw original patent]
 
[[Category:Materials]]
[[Category:Housing and construction]]

Latest revision as of 20:55, 23 May 2021

Main > Housing and construction


Robertson screw: a revolutionary change in the fastener industry

Basics

In 1908, a travelling salesman, Peter L. Robertson of Milton, Ontario, Canada, invented a revolutionary screw and screwdriver with a socket head. The Robertson socket head screw became instantly very popular with craftsmen because it was self-centering and could be driven with one hand.

"This is considered by many as the biggest little invention of the twentieth century so far," Robertson said.

Robertson was even in negotiations with Henry Ford, who recognized the time-saving potential of the screw in auto manufacturing. Ford estimated that this invention could save upwards of 2 hours of assembly time per vehicle. Unfortunately, Ford and Robertson could not reach a licensing agreement. Because of such licensing and patent issues, the breakthrough of the socket head screw was never realized. The first patent was issued in 1909 and the last patent expired in 1964. The screw remains very popular in Canada today but is hardly known anywhere else.

Internal Links

External Links