The only reason they’re so common is because of Henry Ford. Ford wanted Robertson screws, but Ford also wanted to make his own screws in-house. Robertson wouldn’t license them, Philips would, the rest is history. Robertson screws are much more common than Philips up in Canada (where they’re from).
Because Philips screws were supposed to cam out, to stop overtightening on airplanes.
Maybe we shouldn’t use Philips screws for non-aviation purposes.
I’ve read this was the justification after the fact.
https://build-construct.com/tools-and-equipment/phillips-screws-and-cam-out-what-the-original-patent-actually-says/
The only reason they’re so common is because of Henry Ford. Ford wanted Robertson screws, but Ford also wanted to make his own screws in-house. Robertson wouldn’t license them, Philips would, the rest is history. Robertson screws are much more common than Philips up in Canada (where they’re from).