Why are Torx screws used? What are their characteristics

According to the design, the protrusion deviation of Torx screws is different from that of cross-head or slotted screws. Their design is to prevent the protrusion deviation of the screwdriver. This design comes from the automatic torque control screwdriver used in factories. In terms of design, it can stably provide a predetermined torque, reducing the risk of damage to the screwdriver, the screw head or the workpiece.

The contact angle of the Torx screw design is closer to 90 degrees compared to that of the hexagonal head. Therefore, under the same torque, the potential destructive radial force is much smaller. This characteristic allows the screw head to be made smaller under the same torque. The advantage is the reduction of space, but the corresponding disadvantage of this older design is that the smaller the "star shape", the more prone it is to corrosion, and it will cause the Torx screwdriver to slip and damage the head, making it more difficult to remove than traditional hexagonal screws. There is also a type of anti-theft screw, most of which have a column in the middle of the Torx shape to prevent the Torx screwdriver or an ordinary screwdriver from penetrating, thus providing a protective function.