Security Torx vs. Torx
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 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 (standardized as Hexalobular Internal under ISO 10664) is a 6-lobed star-shaped screw drive system developed by Camcar Textron in 1967. Engineered with a low 15-degree drive angle and curved lobes, it eliminates cam-out entirely, delivers exceptional torque transfer, and drastically extends tool bit lifespan across automotive, computing, and construction hardware.
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Drive Geometry
|
Standard 6-lobed Torx star with a centered solid cylindrical metal post | 6-pointed star with rounded circular lobes |
|
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 | — |
|
International Standard
|
— | ISO 10664 (Hexalobular internal driving feature for bolts and screws) |
|
Drive Angle
|
— | 15 degrees (near-perpendicular torque vector) |
|
Cam-Out Tendency
|
— | Zero (Radial drive force completely eliminates axial climb) |
|
Common Sizing Tiers
|
— | T1–T5 (smartphones), T6–T10 (laptops/electronics), T15–T25 (wood/auto), T30–T50 (chassis/structural) |
|
External Variant
|
— | E-Torx (Inverted star socket for high-torque automotive bolts, E4 to E24) |