The Story of P.L. Robertson and the Invention of the Robertson® Drive

The Robertson story started when Peter Lymburner Robertson had an unfortunate accident in downtown Montréal. He was demonstrating a spring-loaded screwdriver when the blade slipped from the screw-slot, severely cutting his hand. The incident inspired him to invent an improved and safer screw, which became The Robertson® Drive. Marathon Hardware has been a proud distributor of the Robertson® Drive for many years.

The full history of PL Robertson and the invention of the Robertson® Drive can be found here.

From its first days back in 1908 in the original Milton, Ontario plant, which still stands to this day, although it is no longer in operation, through the second world war and a contract that garnered tremendous growth, the Robertson® drive and fastener system has flourished over the past 100 years both domestically and globally.

While the company’s ownership has changed hands since the death of P.L. Robertson in 1951, the mission to provide the best fasteners in the industry, supported by first class service, has not wavered. To do so, Robertson Inc. setup and invested in its own overseas manufacturing plant. This allowed the company full control over the standards of their products. As well, their Canadian-run office and warehouse affords Robertson Inc. the opportunity to control every aspect of their supply chain and distribution. Again, guaranteeing the delivery of reliable fasteners, backed by the peace of a truly consistent product.

Today Robertson Inc. is part of The Marmon Group/Berkshire Hathaway Company. It has remained a manufacturer of some of the highest quality fasteners in the construction industry.

What is the difference between The Original Robertson® Drive and what other fastener companies call a ‘square recess product’?

In the 1950’s and 60’s Robertson achieved a level of optimization that the other manufacturers couldn’t. A deep nose was produced for better application and penetration. Resulting in a system that requires the use of both the Robertson® Fastener and the Robertson® Bit. This unique marriage is called The Robertson® Cling Fit feature. The Robertson® recess has an eight degrees of  variation that needs to be in perfect sync to ensure the proper fit.

What does this mean for you?

Marathon Hardware has been a proud distributor of the Robertson® Drive for many years. As a Marathon customer, you have the option to select from a vast offering of certified Robertson® products; perfect for all your millwork and manufacturing needs. The product selection includes driver handles and screws of different sizes and lengths for any woodworking application. All certified products are backed by the Robertson® guarantee that you are purchasing the world’s finest and most reliable, high-quality fasteners.