The Phillips screwdriver is the most used hand tool in the world. Invented by Henry F. Phillips in the 1930s, its cross-shaped tip was designed for the automotive assembly line - fast to engage, and it cams out before over-tightening.
Phillips Screwdriver Sizes
Phillips screwdrivers are numbered from PH000 (the smallest) to PH4 (the largest). The number indicates the tip size, not the screw size - though they correlate. Using the wrong size is the #1 cause of stripped Phillips screws.
| Size | Tip Width (approx.) | Screw Gauge Range | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| PH000 | 1.5 mm | #0–#1 | Tiny electronics, watch screws |
| PH00 | 2.0 mm | #1–#3 | Phones, laptops, eyeglasses |
| PH0 | 3.0 mm | #2–#4 | Small electronics, instruments |
| PH1 | 4.5 mm | #4–#7 | Light switches, outlets, small appliances |
| PH2 | 6.0 mm | #8–#10 | General construction, drywall, decking - the most common size |
| PH3 | 8.0 mm | #12–#16 | Heavy construction, large hinges, structural work |
| PH4 | 10.0 mm | #18+ | Industrial and heavy machinery |
PH2 handles roughly 80% of everyday Phillips screws. If you only buy one size, make it PH2.
Why Phillips Screws Strip
Phillips was intentionally designed to cam out - the driver lifts out of the screw head when torque exceeds a threshold. This was a feature for power tools on assembly lines in the 1930s, preventing over-tightening. Today, cam-out is mostly a nuisance. To avoid stripping:
- Use the correct size - a PH1 in a PH2 screw will strip almost immediately
- Apply firm downward pressure while turning
- Keep the driver aligned straight with the screw axis
- Use a magnetised tip to hold the screw in place
Phillips vs Pozidriv
Phillips and Pozidriv look similar but are not interchangeable. Pozidriv screws have small tick marks between the cross arms. Using a Phillips driver on a Pozidriv screw damages both the driver and the fastener. If you work with European-manufactured products (especially cabinetry and drywall), keep Pozidriv drivers in your kit alongside Phillips.
Quick Facts
- Invented in the 1930s by Henry F. Phillips
- Sizes range from PH000 to PH4
- PH2 is the most commonly used size
- Cam-out is by design - apply downward pressure to counter it
- Not the same as Pozidriv - check for tick marks on the screw
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