Torx

[JBR]

I have always used Pozidrive screws in preference to Philips and cross head, but even Pozi sometimes cams out. Consequently, I've decided to invest in Torx screwdrivers and screws in future.
Are there any disadvantages to Torx?
Also, which are the most common sizes?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[JohnD]

What are you using them for?

 

[Deleted member 174758]

The one disadvantage is generally that the driver has to be in line with the screw - so no driving the screw at a slight angle because there is something partly in the way, like a joist or a pipe. AFAIK there are no standard sizes - manufacturers are making them up as they go along at the minute but they are also supplying Torx bits in the boxes (at least the stuff I see), so not too bad

 

[blup]

I’ve found the torx screw cams out more than a pz at higher speed in say wood so stick with pozi. You tend to find them on pre or partly assembled items like furniture or white goods where a low speed or manual screwdriver is suitable.

Blup

 

[notenoughcash]

if you buy decent screws like the turbo gold, woodspur or spax, then you wont have an issue

i am torx only, and the only semi issue is you have to have T10, 15, 20, 25 so on and so forth, but in a pinch you can use 1 size down e.g. a 15 in a 20.

about the driver being inline, that is not true, and i know from experience., you can be off the head by about 15 degrees and still drive the screw

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Are there any disadvantages to Torx?

Using Torx, you have to use exactly the correct T bit for the screw. With PZ you can often manage with one too big or too small.

 

[JBR]

What are you using them for?

Wood, for the most part.

 

[^woody^]

Are there any disadvantages to Torx?

Yeah, constantly picking up your cordless with a Philips bit in it going to do the job and then shouting "FUKK,FUKK,FUKK"

 

[JBR]

Thank you all for your advice. I seem to already have a small number of Torx bits, so I should buy a few screws and try them for myself. It's just that from what I have read they are far less likely to cam out than even Pozi, so we'll see.
I've just dug out some security screwdriver bits, among which are: T8, T10,T15,T20, T25, T27, T30, T35 and T40 (This stamped with 'CR-VT-40' - not sure what all that refers to). These, however, are all security bits, those with a hole in the middle. I don't know whether that would make any difference in practice.

 

[ETAF]

CR-V is the metal
CR-V is the Chrome Vanadium steel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromium-vanadium_steel

Then the Size Torx 8, 10, 15 etc
not sure on the T

 

[JBR]

CR-V is the metal
CR-V is the Chrome Vanadium steel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromium-vanadium_steel

Then the Size Torx 8, 10, 15 etc
not sure on the T

Thanks.
I'm not sure of the quality of these bits, but I can try them out with some screws and see. If they become damaged, I can always buy replacements anyway.

 

[ETAF]

i find the bits do not last very long , at least the ones i had in various kits, I used a load on a Windows seat/cupboard and in garage. So i purchased some decent impact torx bits - which worked much better.
I have 4 different lengths and sizes of screw 4/5mm (8/10 old) ALL T20 heads, job lot of 2x200 screws of each of 4 size, so have 1,600 screws to use

 

[JBR]

i find the bits do not last very long , at least the ones i had in various kits, I used a load on a Windows seat/cupboard and in garage. So i purchased some decent impact torx bits - which worked much better.
I have 4 different lengths and sizes of screw 4/5mm (8/10 old) ALL T20 heads, job lot of 2x200 screws of each of 4 size, so have 1,600 screws to use

Could you tell me the brand of the impact torx bits, please?

 

[Deleted member 174758]

The best ones are Wera Impaktor diamond coated...

 

[mattylad]

If a tradesman came into my house to do a job and wanted to use only torx screws he'd get told to get the F outa my house.
I own the house, I need to be able to modify/dismantle etc. anything installed in it, I have ample PH/PZ screwdrivers, I'm not buying a torx set just because someone prefers to use them.

I suspect many others feel the same.

Just something to consider if your using them as a tradie.