: Why don’t we use hex bolts on everything ?

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Certain things like bikes, cars, and furniture use hexagonal bolts for fastening. Hex bolts can only be used with the right diameter key and they don’t slip like Phillips and Flatheads. Also, the hexagonal tip keeps bolts from falling so you don’t need a magnet to hold your fasteners. Furthermore, it’s easy to identify which Allen key you need for each fastener, and you can use ballpoint hex keys if you need to work at an angle.

Since the hex bolt design is so practical, why don’t we use this type of fastener for everything? Why don’t we see hex wood screws and hex drywall screws ?

Edit : I’m asking about fasteners in general (like screws, bolts, etc)

In: Engineering

42 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

I can only tell you why I hate them. If you don’t put the bit in all the way, that screw is instantly junk with no chance to save it and it’s gonna be rough to get out. Also if you look up a hex bit set, they are like 24 pieces. There are only like 4 standard Phillips sizes, and I have never needed a ph4 outside of manufacturing work. Flathead is even more universal, to the point where sometimes you can use a coin or just scrap metal in a pinch.

Normal home use is more about convenience than being the best. I would rather know 2 screwdrivers can handle 80% of my home work, then need an entire toolbox just to take screws out/in.

The star (torx I think) screws are actually my favorite tho you need an entire set much like hex bits.

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