Here’s a summary of just some of the issues associated with various typical, commonly used drive systems. Hex Drive The Polydrive, or RIBE, is a fastener similar to the Torx. To the untrained eye, they may even look interchangeable. These fasteners also have a spline-shaped geometry with rounded ends, cut as a recess into the fastener head, that allows secure fastening, increases torque transfer, and minimizes cam-out. Torx isn’t perfect, as they are a rather tight tolerance. It can be difficult to insert the driver if they collect gunk in an engine bay, for example. I’d take that over a Phillips fastener that would rather cam its driver out of the fastener than apply enough torque to break it loose. Brandan Gillogly Another advantage over other types is that star bits are much more efficient when hand-tightening. You can apply a large amount of torque without camming out.

The 15° drive angle of the Torx makes it less effective for high-speed applications and assemblies. If used in high-speed assemblies, the fastener head might strip, delaying assemblies and potentially damaging the assembly and tools used. The improved design enables the Torx plus driver bits to deliver nearly double the amount of drive cycles and bit life. The metric system is a good fit for larger distances. It is not as accurate for smaller distances. Tamper-Proof Using a Torx Bit Sizes Chart is a great way to know which size to buy for a specific fastener. The chart can help you understand the difference between metric and SAE, and can also tell you what size is a good fit for the job at hand. It can also help you choose between an external Torx and an inverted Torx. Torx Bit Sizes Chart As shown, Torx clearly outperforms other drive systems when considering factors of importance in production environments. But Torx is far from perfect which is what led to the development of Torx Plus. Like all other fasteners, even Torx screws are available in different sizes. They follow a special ‘T’ sizing for the internal Torx an ‘E’ sizing for the external Torx. The size of the screwdriver or the drive bit must match with the size of the Torx screw.

Wiha Torx Tools

Thus, while Torx offers tremendous advantages over traditional fasteners hex, the Torx Plus is a better option for assemblies that need a tighter grip. Advantages of Torx Plus Examples include vehicles, motorcycles, computer systems, bicycles, consumer electronics, and hard disc drives. Tamper Proof Torx What is Tamper Proof Torx? If you need to know which size of Torx is the right one for a specific project, take a look at the Torx bit sizes chart. It will tell you which Torx bits are compatible with which screws. KC Tool

For example, if you have a screw with TX size, then you have to use a Torx Screwdriver or drive bit of TX size only. The Torx Plus, also known as the Internal Plus, is an improved version of the original design. This version is designed to provide better torque transfer than the original design. The lobes on the screw allow for increased torque without causing much wear on the tool.

Torx Bit Sizes Chart

Torx and Torx Plus are similar fasteners, but Torx Plus optimizes the design of the original Torx. While both have a six-point connection with the drive head, the Torx fastener allows for a 15° drive angle, while the Torx Plus has a 0° drive angle. This increases the available torque and minimizes wear on the fastener and drive head. Torx Plus is designed for high torque transmission. This means that higher torques can be used to securely tighten fasteners without incurring additional wear and tear on the tools. High torque capability is also very important in service situations where corrosion may increase the torque required to loosen a fastening. Tamper Resistant Torx Plus Drive The most common sizes of a Torx screw are T10, T15, and T25. There are also specialized Torx sizes, including T47, T55, T60, and T65. These are used in certain circumstances, but they are not as common as the T10, T15, and T25. This is one of those common questions where the answer is a very reserved yes. You can theoretically remove a Torx screw using a straight screwdriver or Allen key provided the two are the appropriate size. However, in both cases, you run the high risk of stripping the head. As illustrated in the figure below, the Torx design has a 15° drive angle, while the Torx Plus features a 0° drive angle. The decreased drive angle allows for less movement of the fastener relative to the head. It eliminates radial stresses at the impact points between the head and the fastener.

Torx bits are a specialized type of screwdriver bit designed to prevent slips. They’re a standard 1” length and have a flattened, six-pointed head. For this last reason, they’re generally known as star bits. Benefits Have you noticed that the effective cross-sectional size of Torx Plus is larger than the regular Torx profile? Compatibility The most obvious SAE vs metric equivalent is the size of the Torx bit. These bits come in a variety of sizes and are typically not interchangeable. The smallest of the lot is the T10, which is about the size of a 1/8" hex. The largest is the T47, which is about the size of a quarter. These bits are designed to work in many thread systems.

could happen on cheap fasteners. Motorcyclists have been using them for years, as the exterior of many bike have Phillip head fasteners, and one likes to keep them looking good. As both a motorcyclist and an avid classic car collector, these or the only tools I use on my machines for Phillip head fasteners. The drive systems used by various fasteners have a huge impact on productivity and product quality. For example, an inefficient drive system will increase assembly time and therefore eat into profitability. Some versions of the Polydrive systems have more lobes in the fastener heads, although this isn’t common. Torx vs. Polydrive (RIBE) Screws The metric system is also the standard for airplanes and boats. To make the process of repairing vehicles easier, the SAE standardized the measuring system. It's also been adopted by major vehicle manufacturing hubs in other countries. The standard Torx driver bit or the key will work on the Torx Plus, but it’s not a perfect fit and can lead to wear or damage.

The Torx Plus’s improved sidewall also decreases the risk of cam out, where the tool slips from the fastener head while working. Cam out typically happens when the torque needed to turn the fastener is too high and could damage the fastener head, tool, and workpiece. Strength and Durability The SAE is an acronym for the Society of Automotive Engineers. It was created to standardize measurement in the engineering space. The SAE is now known as SAE International, and it has 138,000 members worldwide. The organization sets standards in North America for the construction and automobile industries.The Torx screwdriver was invented by Camcar Textron in 1967. It is considered one of the most efficient fastening systems. The design has six points and a center pin. This design allows for more torque and minimizes wear. The metric system is more widely used in other countries. In the United States, the Imperial system is still used. It is based on the Roman Empire's system, which considered one foot to be the length of a human being. This means that the same tool in metric units won't fit an Imperial nut. The TORX(r) Drive System was invented by Camcar Textron in 1967. It was designed to provide an alternative to the slotted-head screwdrivers of the day. The patented system is trademarked by Acumen Intellectual Properties, LLC. Other manufacturers often use the Torx name to promote their products. The Torx Plus Drive system was developed to improve assembly line performance. Alignment difficulties between drive bits and recesses can slow down production lines. The Torx Autosert feature guides the driver bit accurately into the recess creating a self-centering engagement action.