What Is Screwdriver 'Cam Out' and How Can I Avoid It?
Cam-out is when a screwdriver slips out of the head of the screw while you’re turning it. Although cam-out is actually preferable in specific circumstances, most of the time, it just reduces the amount of torque you can use to tighten a screw.
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Many do-it-yourselfers despise cam-out for that reason. When the screwdriver head falls out of the screw, it may damage your project. Camming out can also strip screws; every time the screwdriver slips out, it wears away the screw’s grooves — and could get to the point where a screwdriver will no longer be able to insert into or remove it. The problem is exacerbated if you’re using an electric screwdriver.
If you have a choice of screws, avoid Phillips- and flat-head to keep cam-out to a minimum. Due to their shape, flat head screwdrivers can easily slip out of either side of the screw. According to Wired, Phillips-head screwdrivers were designed to cam out to avoid overtightening.
To reduce cam-out, opt for Robertson (square), hex or Torx screws.
If you can’t choose the screw, make sure you’re using the right screwdriver for the job. Don’t attempt to use a flat-head driver on a Phillips-head screw, for example. The screwdriver likely will pop out repeatedly, and you’ll almost certainly damage the screw.
Match the sizes of the screw and screwdriver, too. One that's too large or too small won’t fit properly. Handyman Magazine recommends checking the screws’ packaging to find the compatible driver bit size.
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