Torx is the trademark for a type of screw head, developed by Camcar Textron in 1967. It's characterised by a distinct, 6-point star-shaped pattern and is often called a 'star screw' that requires a 'star screwdriver' with a 'star bit' to tighten and untighten them.
Torx head sizes are described using the capital letter "T" followed by a number ranging from T1 to T100. But some manufacturers and resellers head sizes are also abbreviated using "TX" or "Tx" in front of the number.
Torx bits are characterized by a 6 point star shaped pattern which are used to drive fixings with the same head pattern. The shape allows you to achieve a higher torque by reducing slippage. Applying too much pressure could result in damaging the head or tool because they resist cam-out better.
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.
Select a small flat blade screwdriver, depending upon the size of the Torx head. Insert your small flat blade into the space within the screwdriver head as shown here, and simply turn clockwise. You may need to lean into the screwdriver to provide some force. The screw should start to turn, then come loose.
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).
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.
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.
Here are some of the main benefits: Greater torque: Torx drive screws can be tightened with more torque than other types of screws, such as Phillips or slotted drive, without slipping or stripping the head. This makes them ideal for use in high-stress applications where a secure connection is needed.
Torx screwdrivers have a 6-point star shaped pattern and are also commonly known as star screwdrivers or star bits as they let you use torque to screw more than usually possible.
Why Torx Wrenches Are Poor Substitutes for Allen Wrenches. 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.
Use a slotted screwdriver (flat blade) for slotted, combination and one way screws; a Phillips screwdriver for Phillips and combination screws; a hex key for hex socket; and a Torx® driver for Torx® screws. To prevent head damage, match the driver to the screw head.
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.
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?
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.
Homes & Gardens? No - dont use ordinary sockets. Yes use a Torx socket.
A Torx bit is able to provide higher rotational force due to the increased angle of contact, which means faster and reliable screw embedment. Secondly, Torx drive bits reduce cam-out (stripping) in the head of the screw.
Note that each box comes with a free Torx bit so you'll always have a fresh bit to work with. They are more expensive than regular screws but totally worth it. Also, the screws are so good I re-use them all the time, pulling them out of old projects and putting them in anew.
In general, the Torx and the Roberts (Star and square-shaped) bits are known to be two of the strongest screw heads. Why is this? For the star-shaped bits, the multiple points of contact lead to a very strip-resistant screw head. Anyone who has used a star-shaped bit knows that they lock into place and seldom strip.
A square drive and a Phillips drive offer four points of contact, making them less likely to strip than a slotted screw. Hex and Torx screws both offer six points of contact, reducing the likelihood of stripping compared to Phillips and square drives.
Double Square
The head looks like a star with 8 points. A square bit is used on this drive and it is a called a double because the bit can be inserted two different ways.
Tri-point screwdrivers resemble Phillips tools but have three points instead of four. These screwdrivers are often used with electronic hardware. Triangle screwdrivers are used for screws that use a triangle-shaped recess at the head.