Ins and Outs of Driveability - Drive type Preferences

Historically Phillips drive and Robertson square drive have dominated the U.S. and Canadian marketplace. Due to the Fastap self drilling screw lineup being most popular in these two countries, our drive design has been geared for these types of users for 25 years now. However, due to our design priorities of strength, optimum corrosion protection for long term applications, and easy installation as well as easy removal for maintenance and service issues, we have opted to provide both of these drive styles to meet the more popular drive preferences in #1, #2, & #3 square drive and #2 and #3 Phillips drive. But why not Torx drive or Star drive? These two drive types have become popular in some markets too. However, in order for these two drive styles to be effective and practical to use, the coating thickness must be of thinner consistency, and, the drive depth in a trim head style design needs to be shallower in order to avoid head strength weakness (breakage). Also "removal" after being installed for 1 year or more is challenging to say the least with both of these drive types. In order to insure proper coating thickness parameters for any environment, our Duracoat XT coating is of such thickness that delivers over 3,600 hrs in a salt fog environment (installed) with no signs of corrosion, and/or 40 Kesternich cycles also with no signs of corrosion for the same test screws. The Fastap head size mass is bigger, allowing for a deeper drive socket. This allows for deeper penetration of the driver bit to insure a more positive drive and "stick fit". Besides the XT coating being of greater thickness consistency, its also very pliable with an amount of flexibility to allow for proper bit fit even if the drive is partially blocked or clogged with the coating ... allowing for the socket to clear and still retain a tight bit fit for proper and acceptable driveability. With multiple coating layers, properly seating the screw head to flush and not camming out the drive socket, retains the corrosion protection of the finish application. With the thinner zinc type or ceramic type coating processes, test results have shown corrosion performance is compromised over much shorter time. Fastap also provides driver bit accessories that match the hardness of all our screw products. They have longer and tighter fitting flutted shanks that fit deeper into the drive socket (Phillips or Square), ensuring a more positive and smoother drive result with less fatigue. When proper RPM speed is used with correct torque adjustment, more drives per charge can be expected with less muscle. Lower speed range settings is much better suited to general woodworking conditions, delivering a superior end result where all expectations are met. Drive type needs to be a primary consideration for more reasons other than just a faster installation.