Swap Your PH2 Bits for PR2 and Stop Stripping Device Screws

The Problem

The Phillips system was designed to cam out — the bit rides up and out of the recess under torque. With a standard PH2 bit on device screws, that shows up as the skip-skip-skip that chews the recess round, especially driving at an angle or into hardwood. Most people blame their screw gun or their screws and buy more of both.

The Technique

This electrician's fix is a different bit, not a different technique:

1. Look at your bits — they're almost certainly marked PH2, the industry default that comes with every screw gun and bit set.
2. Order PR2 bits instead. The R is "reduced": the wings are slimmed so the bit sinks deeper into the same #2 recess and engages more of it. Big-box stores rarely stock them on shelves — they're an online order, a few dollars for a two-pack.
3. Chuck the PR2 and drive as normal. Engagement is noticeably more positive; the skip-out at awkward angles mostly disappears.

He runs PR2s for outlet and device screws all day — snugging them by gun, then torquing to spec — and calls the difference night and day on strip-outs.