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. Thus, Torx Plus maximizes tool engagement, thereby facilitating higher torque transmission.
Standard Torx drivers can be used to drive Torx Plus screws, but not to full torque because of the loose fit. Torx Plus drivers will not fit into standard Torx screws.
Designed for high Torque Transmission
Unlike the inefficient designs of other systems, TORX PLUS Drive is a drive system designed to ensure optimal torque transmission. With a true 0° drive angle, the TORX PLUS system virtually eliminates the radial forces that can cause stress on fastener recesses.
External Torx Plus applications include body panels on newer Ford trucks with aluminum bodies and seats on GM trucks. Standard Torx sockets will not fit Torx Plus fasteners. Three smaller sockets are 1/4" drive five sockets are 3/8" drive and the largest socket is 1/2" drive.
A successor to the original Torx design was Torx Plus, introduced in 1990. This design made improvements on the original which enabled higher torque to be applied while minimising wear.
Different Types of Torx
Other names are Tamper Resistant Torx, Tamper Proof Torx, Pin-in Torx and 6 Lobe Pin Torx. The main difference between a regular Torx and a Secure Torx screw is the additional security pin in the center of the screw head.
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 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. Select a small flat blade screwdriver, depending upon the size of the Torx head.
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 TORX® profile corresponds to the ISO 10664 "Hexalobular internal driving feature for bolts and screws". It allows the transfer of high torques. Thanks to the vertical sidewalls, no increased application pressure is necessary during fastening and no camout occurs (see also axial load).
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
The Star (also known as Torx) has a six-point, star-shaped drive that was developed mainly to enhance tamper resistance and ensure snug fits. The star design drivers cut down on the risk stripping the screw heads, slippage, or cam-outs, with tight, specific fits.
TORX Plus is an enhanced TORX design that allows more contact area between the driver and the screw head allowing more torque to be applied, even at high driving speeds.
Phillips Screwdriver
Phillips screws, identifiable by a flared “+” on their heads, are widely used for construction and woodworking purposes. The screwdrivers and bits that fit Phillips screws are labeled “Ph,” followed by a number ranging in increasing size from 0000 up to the number 4.
However, Torx keys have a six-pointed star-like shape, instead of the six flat sides of a hex key. Unlike hex keys, which usually have a hexagonal cross-section along their entire length, Torx keys frequently have a circular cross-section, with the Torx shape only appearing at the ends of the tool.
What can you use instead of a Torx screwdriver? Sometimes an allen key will work, or even a flat blade screwdriver if it will jam between opposite points in the recess. Either way, be ready to replace the screw and/or the tool used because of damage. Your best bet is just to get a Torx key.
torx 5 point screwdriver bit.