I saw that tool makers are coating some of their screwdrivers with diamond particles to help their screwdrivers bite into the screw. Helps prevent cam-out.

Thought to myself, "Hey, I've got some diamond paste that I use for stropping knives...". Did a quick Google search, and looks like people have been doing this with valve lapping compound.

Dabbed a little cheap 40 micron diamond paste onto a Phillips screwdriver and gave it a whirl on some screws. Surprisingly effective!

Speaking of screwdrivers, Project Farm uploaded this test earlier this week. If you're a tool nerd, you'll find it fascinating.

If you want Phillips head screwdrivers that resist cam-out, get PB Swiss, Wera, or Wiha. But I like your lapping compound idea too.

quote:

Originally posted by iron chef:
Speaking of screwdrivers, Project Farm uploaded this test earlier this week. If you're a tool nerd, you'll find it fascinating.

If you want Phillips head screwdrivers that resist cam-out, get PB Swiss, Wera, or Wiha. But I like your lapping compound idea too.

[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xtZ2jh_J7XE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]

Haha, I'm subscribed to his channel.

Vibra-TITE makes a white paste (called Drive Grip) made for this exact purpose.
*other companies have their version too. Several options at the link below.

https://www.amazon.com/Vibra-T...-Fluid/dp/B008RMT63A

Then you have the ACR type bits, which have anti cam out teeth.
Sometimes, I've actually had a hard time getting screws OFF of these type of bits. They bite!

Phillips bits dipped in valve grinding compound has been in use by mechanics for decades. I always keep it in my tool box.

I’ve been using JIS head screwdrivers that seem to work well. I’ve been getting Vessel branded drivers (Japan brand). I like them better than the Phillips head drivers I’ve had. Not sure if they really make a difference but they’ve worked well for me.

I bought a set of Wera's last summer. Since then I've bought a bunch more. The Lasertip impressed me.

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:

quote:

Originally posted by iron chef:
Speaking of screwdrivers, Project Farm uploaded this test earlier this week. If you're a tool nerd, you'll find it fascinating.

If you want Phillips head screwdrivers that resist cam-out, get PB Swiss, Wera, or Wiha. But I like your lapping compound idea too.

[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xtZ2jh_J7XE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]

Haha, I'm subscribed to his channel.

Me too. Great channel…and a good review of screw drivers.

quote:

Originally posted by Excam_Man:

Then you have the ACR type bits, which have anti cam out teeth.
Sometimes, I've actually had a hard time getting screws OFF of these type of bits. They bite!

Cool! Learned something new. I have a cheap Black and Decker bit set I bought ages ago, probably at a Walmart or something. The bits had ribs on them and a titanium coating. I figured these were marketing gimmicks for otherwise crappy bits. The bits bit well, but wore out quickly.

Didn't realize that ACR is an actual trademarked bit specification. I've got a box of Wera ACR bits in the shopping cart now.

Speaking of valve lapping compound, the guy who taught me to do valve work didn't lap valves, he did an interference angle and slammed the valve into the seat to make a ring to indicated seat height on the valve face. When a customer asked if he lapped valves, he'd reply: "The only thing we lap around here is pussy"

Thanks for the video. Seems like Wera is the best balance of performance and price for the average consumer non-professional.

quote:

Originally posted by Excam_Man:
Vibra-TITE makes a white paste (called Drive Grip) made for this exact purpose.

Interesting, as I just tried this product for the first time about an hour ago. To be honest, the Philips head screw was very small (eyeglass frame) and I was using less than a high quality Philips screwdriver. It did not work for me, but I will try it again when the opportunity arises.

Learned this trick while in the Navy. It works.