No Shame Series #2: Phillips vs. Flathead - Why They Exist and When to Use Each One

The thin one. The one with the cross thing. Flathead. Phillips. You’ve seen them both. Maybe you’ve tried to use them interchangeably. Maybe you’ve stood in front of your dad’s workbench wondering which one he actually needs.

There’s no shame in mixing them up, but there’s a good reason they’re different.

Let’s clear it up without any over-explaining. Here’s what each one is for, why it matters, and how to stop stripping screws every time you pick the wrong tool.

What’s the Actual Difference?

Flathead:

Single straight blade
Fits screws with one horizontal slot
Invented in the early days of mechanical fastening
Tends to slip out of the screw head under torque

Phillips:

Cross-shaped (+) tip
Fits screws with a cross slot
Designed to cam out (slip slightly) at high torque to prevent overtightening
Easier to center and control under pressure

Why This Matters in Real Life

Using a flathead on a Phillips screw is a guaranteed way to ruin the screw head and frustrate yourself.

Using a Phillips on a flathead screw just won’t work because the tips don’t match.

And using the wrong size of either? That’s how you chew up the hardware and make a 5-minute job into a half-hour swear session, and accidentally reinforce the belief that being handy isn’t your thing.

When to Use Each One

Use a Phillips screwdriver when:

You’re assembling modern furniture
Driving screws into drywall or studs
Working with electronics or general-purpose home items
You want better grip and less slippage

👉 Recommended: Wera Kraftform Phillips #2 Screwdriver

Comfortable grip, hardened steel, laser tip for a firm bite.

Use a Flathead screwdriver when:

Working on older hardware or fixtures
Installing wall plates, outlet covers, or vintage hardware
You’re dealing with a slotted screw — and only a slotted screw

👉 Already covered in our first post in the series — check it out if you missed it.

A Quick Tip: The Combo Driver Trap

Ever seen a screw that looks like both a flathead and a Phillips? That’s a combo screw. This is usually found in budget furniture kits or electrical fixtures.

They can accept both types of drivers, but a Phillips is almost always the better choice. Less slipping. Cleaner turn.

Final Thought

Don’t let tool confusion slow you down or make you feel less competent.

Once you know the difference, you’ll never look at a screw the same way again. And you’ll reach for the right tool with confidence.

Check out my other recent articles!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Gentleman Fixer.