The answer is no – torx and Allen keys are not the same. They're used for more or less the same purpose, though Torx keys feature a star or asterisk-shaped cross-section, rather than the hexagonal shape of an Allen key.
The short answer is…you'll break your torx wrenches on a hex screw head. The fragile tips of a torx or security star bit are prone to bending & snapping without fitting snugly inside of the screw head.
What is the difference between a Hexagon and Torx Key? Torx keys at first glance look very similar to hex keys. However, Torx keys have a six-pointed star-like shape, instead of the six flat sides of a hex key.
✅ Hex/Torque Allen Wrench: There are two different types of Allen screws: Torque and Hex. The torque type is like a star and could only work on this kind. While the other one is the Hex screw that has a hexagonal shape and it looks like a square.
You probably just rely on a regular wrench to tighten parts on your car, but any important fastener should be tightened with a torque wrench so it will be neither too tight nor too loose. Doing otherwise can cause a part to break, leak or come undone.
Allen wrenches, which are also called hex-key wrenches or hex keys, have a hexagonal cross section to fit various machine screws and set screws that have hexagonal-shaped recessed holes.
Torx (pronounced /tɔːrks/) is a trademark for a type of screw drive characterized by a 6-point star-shaped pattern, developed in 1967 by Camcar Textron. A popular generic name for the drive is star, as in star screwdriver or star bits.
Torx screws are typically used in vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, computer systems, hard disk drives and consumer electronics. The unusual star-shaped head makes them far more secure than regular flat-head or cross-head screws and allows higher torque transmission so screws and bolts can be tightened more securely.
Torx Keys. Torx keys are hand tools specifically designed to tighten or loosen Torx fasteners. Designed with a hexalobular internal by Camcar Textron, Torx is a registered trademark with some of the most commonly used fasteners used for a wide variety of applications.
The most common Torx screws are T6, T8, T10, T15, T20, T25 and T30. All Chapman Star driver sets contain the bits to drive those screws. Coming in close second to the most common sizes are T27 and T40 Torx screws, and Chapman's larger Star bit sets contain those drivers. Is the Torx set Made in the USA?
For Torx Security screws, one possible way is with using a flat head screwdriver. Torx security screws are characterized by star drive featuring a central pin. The pin grants additional tamper resistance as it prevents regular Torx screwdrivers from being used.
What exactly is a tamper proof Torx bit and what purpose does it serve? Simply put, they are Torx (or Star) screwdrivers that have a round hole in the middle to match the Star/Torx screws that have a pin. Tamper proof screws are usually inserted so they cannot be interfered or changed easily.
Torx and Torx Plus are trademark designs of a standardized screw drive. The difference between a Torx and Torx Plus is in the shape of their head profiles. Torx has a six-point star-shaped design, whereas Torx Plus is a modified design of Torx with elliptical-based geometry.
In a maintenance environment Torx head screws are often used to prevent people who have no business accessing certain panels and machines from accessing those panels and machines. People are more likely to have screwdrivers and Allen wrenches than they are Torx drivers or a Torx bit set for a socket wrench.
Torx drive is a trademark commonly referred to as star drive or, simply, a six-lobe. It's often abbreviated to TX or 6lobe. The ISO name is hexalobular. Torx is available as an internal and external drive although it is most commonly used as a socket within the head (internal).
Here you can see the difference between a hex head (on the right) and a Torx head. Torx bits have a higher surface area for torque application, as well as a 15º drive angle compared to the hex's 60º which ultimately means increased tolerance, effectiveness and far less tool slippage.
Called Torx, 6 point, and star, Torx are a 6 pointed star shaped screwdriver. Originally designed in the 60's to outperform hex screws, Torx is a trademarked name for a screwdriver that fits Torx screws, commonly seen in sizes Torx 6 to Torx 40 (or T6 to T40).
The short answer is "there is no difference". These two names can be used interchangeably. Let's figure out why. When it comes to Allen wrenches (or hex keys), people have questions.
Originally named Allen Manufacturing Company, the business produced hexagonal set screws and wrenches to fasten them. The terms "Allen wrench" (American English) and "Allen key" (British English) are derived from the Allen brand name and refer to the generic product category "hex keys".
The Importance of Proper Torque
Typically, an under torqued bolt will deform and be unable to provide as much clamping force as needed. An over torqued bolt will break.
If you expect to store a torque wrench for more than a few weeks, always wind it down to the lowest scale setting (never to zero). Storing a fully loaded torque wrench can result in a set in the spring, weakening the spring over time.