Torx

The slot was developed by Textron in 1967. The use of fitting bolts and bolts of a higher class of strength allows increasing the load on fasteners; accordingly, a slot was necessary, which provides a greater tightening torque. However, the non-proliferation of the Torx tool made it possible to use the slot also to protect the devices from self-repair by the owners. When the tool became popular, Textron added a new kind of slot as an anti-vandal version of Torx.

In 1990, when the patent expired, Textron developed a new standard, Torx Plus, which is even more reliable and also has an anti-vandal option.

• Torx. It is denoted as T or TX. It is a tool in the form of a six-star, inserted into the corresponding recess on the fastener (screw or bolt).
• Torx External. It is designated as E. It is an inverted Torx - the fastener has a star-shaped head, and the tool has a corresponding recess. It is used, as a rule, in cars to reduce the size of the bolt head. Anti-vandal does not happen. Measures from E4 to E44. The numbering of the sizes does not correspond to the usual Torx - for example, the E4 key will fit the T20 insert.
• Torx Tamper Resistant (anti-vandal) is designated as TR . In the middle of the slot there is a pin and a hole for a screwdriver or key corresponding to this pin. Other names - Security Torx, pin-in Torx.

• Five-way Torx. One of the anti-vandal options. Occurs under the names 5-lobe Torx, Brigadier Pentahedron key set, sometimes Pentalobe, which is wrong, since Pentalobe is a separate chamomile-shaped slot used in Apple electronics.
• Torx Plus. Improved slot with star cut ends. It is designated as IP (Internal Plus), has sizes from 1IP to 100IP (sometimes labeled as IP1-IP100). Partially compatible with Torx - Torx tool can work with Torx Plus fasteners, but does not provide maximum torque. Torx Plus tool cannot work with Torx hardware.
• Torx Plus External. External version of Torx Plus. It is designated as EP (External Plus), has dimensions from 1EP to 42EP (EP1-EP42). Also has mini options from H7EP to H2EP.
• The anti-vandal version of Torx Plus has five beams and a pin in the center of the recess. Marking is not specified in the standard, but can be found as TS or IPR.

The keys and screwdrivers are labeled T or TX with the slot number - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100.

Keys and screwdrivers with Torx Tamper Resistant slot after the main marking are additionally denoted by TR .

The keys and screwdrivers with Torx Plus slot first indicate the slot number, and then - instead of T or TX is indicated by the letters IP .

Torx Plus Tamper Resistant wrenches and screwdrivers are additionally labeled TS after the main marking.

The size is determined by the diameter of the circumference of the tool sprocket described on the tops (for version E - the bolt).

Torx spline fasteners are commonly used in vehicles, bicycles, brake systems, various prefabricated metal structures, computer hard drives , ATMs , consumer electronics and fuel equipment.

It is not known whether this was specifically done or not, but the dimensions of Torx are correlated with the sizes of the in- hand keys and allow unscrewing the ripped hex slot. When the slot is broken, the Torx tool becomes clogged in the formed hole, and with almost one-hundred-percent result it allows you to unscrew the broken bolt or screw.

It should be noted that when working with Torx, you must consider the following features:

• The tool should fit tightly enough. If the tool dangles in the slot, then, most likely, it is chosen correctly. This is especially true of not quite standard sizes, for example, the T47 that is common in cars is almost always absent in Torx key sets and is chosen as T45.
• The tool must enter the slot to the end. Given the initially tight fit, this often requires resorting to a percussion instrument.

Failure to follow these rules often leads to the destruction of the bolt head and, as a result, to unreasonable criticism of Torx.

• Hex slot