Step onto any Canadian construction site and you’ll notice something you might not see as often in the United States: the screw heads are square. That’s the Robertson drive, and it’s the standard in Canadian construction for very good reasons. Here’s the short version, and why we make sure every Site Squad Bootcamp LE participant can identify and use both.
A short history
The Robertson was invented in 1908 by Peter Lymburner Robertson in Milton, Ontario. He famously refused to license it to Henry Ford, which is one of the reasons it didn’t take over in the US. In Canada, though, it became the default for everything from framing to finish work.
Why Robertson dominates Canadian construction
- It doesn’t strip out. The square tip seats deeper and grips harder than a Phillips cross, so you can apply more torque without the bit slipping. On a job where you’re driving hundreds of screws, this matters.
- One-handed work. A Robertson screw stays on the bit by friction. You can hold the drill in one hand, pre-load the screw on the bit, and drive it into a tight spot without needing your other hand to keep things lined up.
- Less wrist strain. Because the bit doesn’t cam out, you don’t need to push as hard. Over a full day on the tools, that adds up.
When you’ll still see Phillips
Phillips screws haven’t gone away. You’ll see them in pre-built furniture, electronics, appliances, imported fixtures, and any project sourced from a US supplier. Knowing both, and being able to grab the right driver without thinking, is part of being job-ready.
How we teach this on Day 1
In Module 2 of the cohort, we lay out every common driver type side by side. You’ll drive a Robertson screw and a Phillips screw back-to-back so you can feel the difference in grip and stripping resistance. By the end of the morning, you’ll always check the head shape before you grab a bit, which is the habit that separates someone who can build from someone who breaks tools.
The takeaway
In Canada, the Robertson is the default. The Phillips is the exception. Knowing both, and respecting the difference, is one of the small details that signals you actually know what you’re doing on a job site.