When a Phillips is not a Phillips Plus So Much More!

Step 58 Frearson or Reed & Prince

[[br]]A later cross drive system referred to in ANSI standards as Type 2 recess. It was developed by an English inventor named Frearson and was produced from the late 1930's to the mid 1970's by the former Reed & Prince Manufacturing Company of Worcester, Massachusetts (was liquidated in 1990 with the sale of company assets).

Today it is mostly referred to as Frearson but occasionally still by its former name of Reed & Prince. This drive is very similar to a Phillips but has a more pointed 75° V-shape. It is found mainly in marine hardware. The tool recess is a perfect cross, unlike the Phillips head, which is designed to camout.

Its advantage over the Phillips drive is that one Frearson driver or bit fits all Frearson screw sizes, although there are 2 sizes available. Advantages include improved torque with minimal camout. Unfortunately the screw head recess appears to be a Phillips and so it is too easy to use the wrong tool or screw.

Instructables member whit3rd adds: The Reed & Prince tip isn't blunted, so won't fit 'normally' in a Philips #1, #2, or #3 screw; anyone who pays attention to the feel of the screwdriver will not mistake it for a Philips. [[br]]