Torx
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Torx is the trademark for a type of screw head characterized by a 6-point star-shaped pattern. People unfamiliar with the trademark generally use the term star, as in "star screwdriver" or "star bits." The generic name is hexalobular internal driving feature and is standardised by the International Organization for Standardization as ISO 10664. Torx head screws generally resist slipping better than Phillips Head or Slot Head screws. Torx screws are commonly found on computer systems and consumer electronics, but are also becoming increasingly popular in construction. Torx screws are also used in automobile assembly. Often do-it-yourself mechanics will remove the Torx screws on a vehicle and replace them with more common screws and bolts such as hex head bolts. This is due to the fact that if something breaks, it is easier to carry an adjustable wrench which will fit many different sizes of hex heads rather than several different sizes of Torx screwdrivers or bits.
Sizing
Torx head size is described using the capital letter "T" followed by a number. Common sizes include T5, T10, T15 and T25, although they reach as high as T100. Only the proper driver can drive a specific head size without risking ruining the driver or screw.
Variants
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A tamper-resistant version known as Security Torx or Tamper Resistant Torx contains a peg in the center of the head that prevents a standard Torx driver from being inserted.
A Torx variant, Torx Plus, is designed to allow greater torque, and to minimize wear. Currently, Torx Plus heads and drivers are patented, slowing adoption in the marketplace. Standard Torx drivers can be used to drive Torx Plus screws, but Torx Plus drivers will not fit standard Torx screws. There is also a tamper-proof version of Torx Plus, which has five lobes.
Torx and Torx Plus are registered trademarks of Textron, Inc.
External links
- Torx Plus Drive System (http://www.textronfasteningsystems.com/products/torxplus/)de:Torx