Hardware & Tool Engineering

Screw Drive Types Decoder

Match the exact bit to your screw recess. Discover why Phillips bits strip Pozidriv screws, when to use Torx star drives, and how to avoid cam-out.

Select Screw Drive Recess Type:

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Screw Head Geometry

Pozidriv (PZ)

Cam-Out Risk: Medium

Standard Sizes:

PZ1, PZ2, PZ3

Best Applications:

European cabinetry (IKEA furniture), framing, woodworking, European automotive.

Stripping Prevention Tip:

Has 4 subtle diagonal tick marks between cross fins. Using a standard Phillips bit on PZ will slip and strip the screw head instantly!

Why Did My Screwdriver Just Strip My IKEA Cabinet Screw?

IKEA and European furniture use Pozidriv (PZ) screws, not standard Phillips (PH). Pozidriv screw heads have 4 subtle diagonal tick lines stamped between the cross fins. If you force a standard Phillips bit into a Pozidriv screw, the angled fins cannot seat fully; under moderate driver torque, the bit cams out and grinds the screw into smooth metal. Always match PZ bits with PZ screws!