Cross-head, or Phillips screws have a plus-shaped slot in the head and are driven by a cross-head screwdriver, designed originally in the 1930's for use with mechanical screwing machines. They were intentionally made so the driver would ride out, or cam out, at a certain force to prevent over-tightening. After a piece of equipment has been disassembled and rebuilt numerous times, the Phillips head drive wears out in the screw head "by design." When removal is required but the driver continues to ride out of the slot, place a small amount of lapping compound in the +-shaped slot of the screw head and proceed with removal, (always replacing the stripped screw with a new one.)

This method works like magic on all sizes of Phillips head screws and can save a lot of needless frustration. Not earth shattering technology, but a pretty neat trick.

For future reference, write the sizes & types of belts used in your equipment at a safe but noticeable area of the belt cover/guard of the machine.

Use a Reflectorized Arrow Sticker (yellow) for rotation direction specially on pulleys without direction indicators.

Lubrication Tip

In lubricating an electric motor bearing, long grease purge pipes create backpressure, which increases the chance of grease being forced into windings or excess grease remaining in the bearing. Therefore, drain pipes should be as short as possible and not have any turns if possible.

Tip provided by Garry Villamil of TRILUX ELECTRONICS & LUMINAIRES, INC.