Definition
A hardened, fluted fastener that is hammered (driven) into a pre-drilled hole rather than turned in like a standard screw. The spiral flutes grip the sides of the hole to hold the fastener in place, and it can later be removed with a screwdriver. Commonly used to attach identification plates, data plates, and lightweight nameplates to aircraft structures.
Plain English
A small fastener that you tap in with a hammer instead of turning in with a screwdriver. It holds itself in place by biting into the sides of the hole, and is mostly used to attach metal ID plates to aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, especially when small plates, labels, or light covers are fastened to the aircraft structure or equipment.
Derivation
Combines 'drive' (to hammer or force in) with 'screw' (a fastener with spiral grooves). The name reflects the unusual combination — it has the spiral form of a screw but is installed by driving, like a nail.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot usually does not install drivescrews, but may see them holding identification plates or small labels during preflight. A loose or missing drivescrew can be a sign that a plate, cover, or label needs maintenance attention.
Analogy
It is like a nail with screw ridges on it: you hammer it in, and the ridges help it grip instead of sliding back out easily.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a drivescrew is installed by turning it like an ordinary screw. The key idea is that it is driven into the hole, usually by impact.
Example Sentence 1
The aircraft data plate was secured to the fuselage with four drivescrews.
Example Sentence 2
Check that each drivescrew is properly seated before flight to avoid vibration issues.