Phillips Screw – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A Phillips Screw is the small cross-head fastener found on most vape tanks, rebuildable atomisers (RDAs/RTAs), and battery compartments. Named after its cruciform (cross-shaped) recess, it is driven by a matching Phillips screwdriver bit and provides secure, tool-friendly assembly of metal parts without stripping. In vaping, Phillips screws clamp coil legs, seal battery doors, or hold 510 connector pins in place, letting users swap coils, cotton, or batteries quickly while resisting the constant vibration of daily use.

Technical Details

Phillips screws in vape hardware are almost always metric machine screws, ranging from M1.4 × 1 mm (pod-system 510 pins) to M3 × 0.5 mm (RTA posts). Heads are pan or flat to sit flush with the deck; material is 304 or 316 stainless steel for corrosion resistance against Glycol)”>PG (Propylene Glycol) and Glycerin)”>VG (Vegetable Glycerin). The 45° cruciform recess self-centres the driver, reducing cam-out compared with slotted screws, yet allows higher torque than hex or Torx equivalents—ideal for clamping 0.12 mm × 0.08 mm flat-wire coils. Common variants include captive Phillips (pre-installed in posts) and countersunk Phillips (battery-door hinges). Thread pitch is fine (0.35 mm) to maximise bite in aluminium mod frames without galling.

Usage & Tips

Always use a correctly sized #0 or #00 Phillips driver; a too-small bit chews the cross and leaves you drilling out a stuck screw. Turn clockwise to tighten post screws until the coil leg is immobilised—over-torquing can snap the head or strip the deck. If a screw freezes, soak the deck in hot PG/VG-free water for five minutes to dissolve sweetener residue, then press down firmly while turning. Check threads every re-wick; a single crossed thread can arc inside a Power Mode device and vent a battery. Carry spare Phillips screws in your kit; most manufacturers sell 10-packs for under AUD $5.

History & Context

Vape makers adopted Phillips screws in 2010 when early genesis atomisers moved from slotted to cross-head clamps, letting builders swap coils without a full toolkit. Today, Phillips remains the default on rebuildables, while cheap pod systems increasingly use Torx to deter user servicing.