Security Torx vs. Torx Plus
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
Security Torx (Tamper-Resistant Torx / Pin-in-Torx / Torx TR) is a tamper-evident variant of the standard hexalobular drive. Featuring a hardened solid cylindrical metal post in the center of the 6-lobed recess, it prevents standard flat, hex, or standard Torx driver bits from inserting, requiring a specialized hollow-tipped security bit.
Torx Plus is an advanced evolution of the hexalobular star drive introduced by Textron Fastening Systems in the 1990s. Featuring squarer, elliptical lobes and a true 0-degree drive angle, it increases torque transmission capacity by up to 35% and extends assembly tool bit life by up to 100% in industrial manufacturing.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Drive Geometry
|
Standard 6-lobed Torx star with a centered solid cylindrical metal post | 6 elliptical lobes with flattened lobe tips |
|
Tool Bit Requirement
|
Hollow-center / Bore-hole driver bit (e.g. TR20 bit has a drilled center) | — |
|
Standard Sizing Tiers
|
T6H, T7H, T8H, T9H, T10H, T15H, T20H, T25H, T27H, T30H, T40H ('H' or 'TR' designation) | — |
|
Tamper Resistance Level
|
Medium (Deters unauthorized consumer disassembly without specialty tools) | — |
|
Primary Applications
|
Public infrastructure (restroom partitions, subway signs), video game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation controllers), consumer power tools | — |
|
Proprietary Standard
|
— | Acument Global Technologies (formerly Camcar Textron) |
|
Drive Angle
|
— | 0 degrees (true perpendicular tangential drive vector) |
|
Torque Transmission Gain
|
— | Up to 35% higher torque than standard Torx |
|
Tool Bit Lifespan Gain
|
— | 100% to 200% longer drive bit life |
|
Sizing Notation
|
— | IP (Internal Torx Plus: 1IP to 100IP) and EP (External Torx Plus) |
|
5-Lobe Security Variant
|
— | Torx Plus Security (5-lobe star with central tamper pin, 8IPR to 50IPR) |