Although it may seem that screws have little to do with audio, and even though many of them can conduct electricity and heat, they do not contribute much to the sound quality of the programme being recorded or played back. However, they do ensure the consistency and integrity of the audio equipment. Therefore, while the quality of screws and nuts is fundamental for the performance of the equipment to meet expectations, their handling is equally important, with special care in the selection of tools. This aspect alone guarantees the longevity of equipment in an industry where planned obsolescence is already taking its toll.
Time and again, we have received equipment for repair or calibration in which we find screws so worn out and stripped that it is difficult to remove them in order to access the inside of the machine. The only conclusion we can draw in such cases is that most people literally use the first thing they have to hand. What’s more, we have even had to listen to users openly saying: “I don’t know, I don’t understand that, just fix it for me, please!” Well then…
A high-end piece of equipment from a professional studio, with the screws damaged. They were replaced at the Reflexion Arts facility, naturally.
What can this phenomenon be attributed to? To the Tools
It is probably due to the little importance given to choosing the right tool. The indiscriminate use of a PZ or PH bit seldom yields good results. Likewise, using an Allen key on a Torx-head screw is a crude mistake that can only end in disaster.
Phillips vs Pozidriv: A Battle of Bits
In everyday life, few tools are as universal as the screwdriver. Yet, what many people don’t know is that within the so-called “star” models there are two types which look almost identical at first glance but hide major differences: Phillips (PH) and Pozidriv (PZ).
In this article, we aim to clear up any doubts that may arise with this small dilemma.
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Phillips (PH): Patented in the 1930s in the United States by Henry F. Phillips, who bought the screw design from inventor John P. Thompson, as he had failed to gather enough commercial interest for his screw head. Phillips proved to be a more fortunate salesman; otherwise, today, we would all have Thompson screwdrivers in our toolboxes. This design was conceived for fast assembly in car and appliance factories. Its distinctive cross-shaped form allows the screwdriver to self-centre, though it has an “intentional flaw”: when too much pressure is applied, the bit slips to avoid breaking the screw head. Because it was originally intended for the automotive sector and later for electronics and appliances, it is not the most suitable for carpentry, furniture, or tasks that require stronger tightening.
Pozidriv (PZ): A European evolution that incorporates four additional small grooves. These provide more contact surface, less slippage, and the possibility of applying greater torque without damaging the piece. Favoured in Europe (PZ) for carpentry, furniture, and tasks requiring stronger tightening, it is not so recommended for internal electronics.
Every Screw Has Its Key: The Allen vs Torx Dilemma
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Llave Allen: Its origins date back to the early 20th century, with various patents and developments that contributed to its popularity and standardisation. Egidio Brugola (Italy) invented the concept in 1926, while the Allen Manufacturing Company patented the hexagonal socket screw design in the US in 1943, which popularised the system and gave the tool its name.
The Allen key is used to screw and unscrew bolts with an internal hexagonal head (also known as Allen screws), which are common in furniture assembly, bicycle repairs, musical instruments, and industrial machinery. Its “L” shape allows precise tightening or loosening of these screws.
Llave Torx: Developed in 1967 by Camcar Textron to solve problems of wear and slippage in traditional screw heads, especially with torque-controlled machinery. Its six-lobed “star” design (known as internal hexalobular) provides greater contact surface and better torque distribution, resulting in increased durability and resistance to stripping.
Like other types of keys, the Torx key is used for tightening and loosening screws. In this case, it is designed for hexalobular screws (also called six-point star screws). They are used in a wide range of applications, from cars to computers.
The Odyssey of Racks, screws, washers and tools
In the professional audio sector, import and export are part of everyday life, and with them come different types of screws and assemblies depending on the product. In the case of importing from America to Europe and vice versa, it is sometimes necessary to be aware of the different gauge systems:
- Inches (imperial system) for America
- Centimetres (metric decimal system) for Europe
In such cases, the problem lies in the thread and, without realising it, we can seriously damage a device.
Options and Solutions in the Face of Disaster
When faced with the frustration of a stripped and stuck screw, some options/solutions may include, for example:
- Placing a rubber band or a piece of thin rubber to improve the screwdriver’s grip.
- Cutting a slot into the screw head with a cutting tool to use a flathead screwdriver.
- Using a screw extractor by drilling a small hole and inserting the extractor tip.
