slottipäät

Slottipäät, a Finnish term often translated as "slot heads" or "slot-headed", refers to a specific type of screw head characterized by a single, straight slot across its diameter. This design is one of the oldest and simplest forms of screw heads. The slot allows for insertion and removal using a flat-head screwdriver. While historically common, slottipäät have largely been superseded in many applications by more modern screw head types, such as Phillips or Torx, due to their tendency to cam out (the screwdriver slipping out of the slot), which can damage the screw head and the surrounding material.

Despite their decline in prevalence for general use, slottipäät remain in use in certain niche areas. They are often found in older machinery, antique furniture, and some specialized electrical components where tradition or specific tool compatibility dictates their use. The simplicity of their design means they are inexpensive to manufacture. However, the lack of torque control and the ease with which a slotted screwdriver can slip make them less suitable for applications requiring high torque or precision assembly. In some contexts, especially in repair and restoration of older items, knowledge of slottipäät and their corresponding tools is still necessary.