Larry and Bob -
You are right. A Phillips screwdriver should work on Robertson screws, and I always have one handy for emergencies. The reason I don't like a Phillips screwdriver for this application is that the sockets on the screw heads tend to fill up with greasy grit and grime, and the tip of a Phillips screwdriver won't fit far enough into the screw head. Yes, you can find a toothpick and spend the time cleaning them out, but you are unlikely to do this when stranded beside the road. More likely you will try to force the Phillips screwdriver tip into the square socket. If you do, turning the screwdriver can very easily strip out the socket in the screw head. Now you are in real trouble. Been there, done that (many times).
For applications like this, I love the Robertson (square drive) screw heads. I would leave them in place, Bob, and spend $2 for a real Robertson square-drive screwdriver.
Just my experience.
Bill
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