Phillips vs Pozidriv vs 6-Lobe Drives
Quick Answer
Phillips — Universal, legacy standard, cam-out by design
Pozidriv — Improved Phillips, designed to reduce cam-out vs Phillips
6-Lobe — Very low cam-out, widely used in automotive and production assembly
At-a-Glance Comparison
Typical characteristics (general guidance, not test data).
| Feature | Phillips | Pozidriv | 6-Lobe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cam-out | Designed to cam out | Designed to reduce cam-out vs Phillips | Very low cam-out |
| Availability | Universal | Less common in general hardware | Widely available |
| Interchangeable with Phillips? | — | No | No |
Visual Identification
Phillips
Simple cross (+), tapered sides, no extra marks
Pozidriv
Cross (+) with tick marks at 45° between arms
6-Lobe
Six-pointed star shape
Cam-Out: The Key Difference
What is Cam-Out?
When the driver slips out of the recess under torque, potentially damaging the screw head.
Why Phillips Cams Out
- Designed to cam out — Limits over-torquing
- Tapered recess walls push driver upward
Why Pozidriv Reduces Cam-Out
- Straighter recess walls
- Ribs between cross arms add grip
- Driver seats more securely
Why 6-Lobe Has Very Low Cam-Out
- Lobes drive mostly sideways, with little upward push on the bit
- Six contact points distribute the load
Application Guide
When to Use Phillips
| Application | Why Phillips |
|---|---|
| General consumer products | Universal, everyone has driver |
| Legacy equipment | Match existing fasteners |
| Light-duty assembly | Adequate performance |
| Non-critical | Cost-effective |
| DIY-friendly products | Consumer familiarity |
When to Use Pozidriv
| Application | Why Pozidriv |
|---|---|
| Imported equipment and furniture | Match existing fasteners |
| Woodworking and cabinet making | Designed to reduce cam-out vs Phillips |
| Where cam-out is problematic | Improved grip |
When to Use 6-Lobe
| Application | Why 6-Lobe |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Very low cam-out in production assembly |
| Appliances | Assembly line efficiency |
| Electronics | Precision, security variants |
| Decking screws | Power driving, very low cam-out |
| Machinery | Repeated removal for maintenance |
| Security applications | Pin (tamper-resistant) variants |
Compatibility Issues
DO NOT interchange:
- Phillips and Pozidriv — Looks similar but different! Using Phillips driver in Pozidriv (or vice versa) damages both.
- 6-Lobe and 6-Lobe Plus — 6-Lobe Plus (IP) has different geometry and needs its own bits.
Tip: Always match the driver size to the recess on the screw. A worn or wrong-size bit can strip the recess with any drive type.
How to Tell Phillips from Pozidriv
| Feature | Phillips | Pozidriv |
|---|---|---|
| Tick marks | None | Has marks between arms |
| Driver tip | Pointed | Blunted |
| Ribs | None | Has ribs |
Power Tool Use
Phillips cam-out wears bits and damages screw heads under power driving. Pozidriv is designed to reduce cam-out vs Phillips. 6-Lobe has very low cam-out and is widely used for power driving in production assembly.
Security Variants
| Base Type | Security Version | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 6-Lobe | Pin 6-Lobe (6-Lobe TR) | Center pin in recess |
Conversion/Substitution Guide
| Existing | Can Replace With | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips | Pozidriv | If Pozi driver will be used |
| Phillips | 6-Lobe | Very low cam-out; needs 6-Lobe bits |
| Pozidriv | 6-Lobe | Very low cam-out; needs 6-Lobe bits |
Common Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips cam-out | Normal behavior | Use 6-Lobe or Pozidriv |
| Phillips stripping | Wrong size or worn driver | Use correct size, quality bits |
| Pozi in Phillips | Wrong driver | Identify recess type first |
| 6-Lobe rounding | Wrong size | Match size exactly |
Compare every drive style in our screw drive types guide.
Shop Screws and Bits
Shop screws · Shop bits & drivers
FAQ
Q: Can I use a Phillips driver in a Pozidriv screw?
A: Not recommended. It will "work" but damages both the driver and screw. They are NOT compatible despite looking similar.
Q: Why is Phillips still so common?
A: Legacy, familiarity, and the fact that consumers own Phillips screwdrivers.
Q: Is 6-Lobe the same as hexalobular?
A: Yes. The generic term is "hexalobular"; 6-Lobe and star drive are the common shop names.
Q: What about Robertson (square drive)?
A: A good drive type that resists cam-out well, with high torque for its size.
Q: Which is best for decking screws?
A: 6-Lobe and square drives are both widely used on decking screws because they resist cam-out under power driving.
Phillips remains common for consumer familiarity. Pozidriv is designed to reduce cam-out vs Phillips. 6-Lobe offers very low cam-out for power driving and production work.
