What is the origin of using M3.5 screws used to secure electrical fittings to backboxes?
They are a non-standard metric size that are almost synonymous with electrical fittings. 4BA screws were used until the 1960s, but what was the reason why they were changed to M3.5?
I estimate that over 99% of M3.5 screws in use have slotted heads although tamperproof Torx and 'snake eye' heads are available. M3.5 screws with aerospace Tri-wing heads; Reuleaux triangle heads - like on toys; or Pentalobe heads - like Apple uses, do not seem to be available.