kruiskopschroef

The kruiskopschroef, often referred to as a Phillips head screw, is a type of screw designed with a cross-shaped recess at the head. This recess allows for a specific type of screwdriver, known as a Phillips screwdriver, to engage with it. The design was patented by Henry F. Phillips in 1936. The primary advantage of the Phillips head screw over its predecessor, the slotted head screw, is its ability to self-center the screwdriver. This self-centering property makes it easier to start the screw and reduces the likelihood of the screwdriver slipping out of the recess, a phenomenon known as "cam-out." This improved engagement also allows for greater torque to be applied without damaging the screw head or the surrounding material.

Kruiskopschroeven are widely used in various applications, including woodworking, electronics, automotive manufacturing, and general construction. They are typically made from steel, stainless steel, brass, or other metals, and can be found with different thread types, such as coarse or fine threads, and in various head styles like pan, flat, or round. The design of the Phillips head, with its four wings meeting at a central point, was intended to allow the screw to tighten to a specific torque before the screwdriver would cam out, preventing over-tightening. While effective, the cam-out issue can still occur, particularly if the screwdriver is worn or the wrong size for the recess, or if excessive force is applied. Alternative screw head designs, such as Pozidriv and Torx, have been developed to further improve torque transfer and reduce cam-out.