AW drive is a hexalobular-type screw head similar to Torx, with a tapered profile to aid in centering, developed by the Würth Group in Germany. [30] It is available in five sizes: AW10, AW20, AW25, AW30 and AW40. [31] Gallery [ edit ]

While it’s common to use the terms Torx and star interchangeably, there’s actually a bit of a difference between the two. Much like the Allen wrench, Torx is a trademarked name and refers to a specific brand, whereas star is the generic name (much like hex keys). However, there is a difference beyond just licensing. The Torx Plus drive system is another variation of the Torx. It is also known as External Plus. The lobes are more square than the original design. This design allowed for higher torque on the head. The Torx Plus also has five-lobed tamper-resistant variants. This design requires the right tools. Torx is an innovative fastener system designed to overcome the shortcomings of traditional screw fasteners. Many consumers feel that star bits are better than Torx because the latter uses a restricted manufacturing license to use the patterns. Yet star bits are so closely matched to the shape of Torx that they can easily be used as a substitute. The metric system is more widely used in other countries. In the United States, the Imperial system is still used. It is based on the Roman Empire's system, which considered one foot to be the length of a human being. This means that the same tool in metric units won't fit an Imperial nut.

Some versions of the Polydrive systems have more lobes in the fastener heads, although this isn’t common. Torx vs. Polydrive (RIBE) Screws

The TORX(r) drive system has several benefits, including an easy solution to a common fastener problem, higher productivity, and enhanced reliability. You can also reduce total assembly costs by using the TORX(r) Drive System. SAE vs metric equivalents Another advantage over other types is that star bits are much more efficient when hand-tightening. You can apply a large amount of torque without camming out. The Torx Ttap is perfect for applications that require secure fastening in confined spaces. Since installing the Torx Ttap fasteners can be done with one hand, you don’t need to squeeze both hands into a small space for the installation. The metric system is also the standard for airplanes and boats. To make the process of repairing vehicles easier, the SAE standardized the measuring system. It's also been adopted by major vehicle manufacturing hubs in other countries.a b "TORX Drive System" (PDF). Textron Fastening Systems. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-01-02. The Polydrive fasteners are similar to the Torx system, but the geometry differs sufficiently that the drives are not interchangeable. So, a Polydrive bit can’t be used on a Torx screw, and vice versa. They do the same job, though, and their performance is comparable. Uses of Polydrive (RIBE) Technical Information on Fasteners: Design recommendations 11.1 Inside drives for screws – AW drive (AW-Antrieb)" (PDF). Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG . Retrieved 2 March 2017. The main purpose of the tamper-proof design is to restrict unauthorized access to equipment or devices, especially in places where tampering could be harmful or costly. Torx Ttap What is Ttap Torx?

Using a Torx Bit Sizes Chart is a great way to know which size to buy for a specific fastener. The chart can help you understand the difference between metric and SAE, and can also tell you what size is a good fit for the job at hand. It can also help you choose between an external Torx and an inverted Torx. Torx Bit Sizes Chart Sharke, Paul (June 2005). "Fast and Secure: how much proof is tamperproof?". Mechanical Engineering. 127 (6): 32. doi: 10.1115/1.2005-JUN-2. ISSN 0025-6501. Archived from the original on 2007-02-09 . Retrieved 2012-01-14. {{ cite journal}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown ( link) Common uses of the snake eye bolt include vehicle licence plates, building and vehicle grills, and public facilities. How to Remove Spanner ScrewsFor the Torx type of design, the angle is much closer to 90° than in the case of the hex head, and so for a given torque the potentially damaging radial force is much lower. This property allows the head of the fastener to be smaller for the same required torque, which can be an advantage in applications where space to accommodate the head is limited. The SAE is an acronym for the Society of Automotive Engineers. It was created to standardize measurement in the engineering space. The SAE is now known as SAE International, and it has 138,000 members worldwide. The organization sets standards in North America for the construction and automobile industries. The Torx Plus, also known as the Internal Plus, is an improved version of the original design. This version is designed to provide better torque transfer than the original design. The lobes on the screw allow for increased torque without causing much wear on the tool.

For example, if you have a screw with TX size, then you have to use a Torx Screwdriver or drive bit of TX size only.A spline-shaped geometry refers to a series of ridges or teeth on a drive surface, ensuring a non-slipping grip. Unlike the Torx’s star shape, splines offer a continuous, wave-like profile between the tool and fastener. A tamper-proof Torx screw requires a specialized wrench or driver bit with a central hole to accommodate the screw’s center post, deterring unauthorized removal. The 15° drive angle of the Torx makes it less effective for high-speed applications and assemblies. If used in high-speed assemblies, the fastener head might strip, delaying assemblies and potentially damaging the assembly and tools used. The improved design enables the Torx plus driver bits to deliver nearly double the amount of drive cycles and bit life. Torx screws are commonly found on automobiles, motorcycles, bicycle brake systems ( disc brakes), hard disk drives, computer systems and consumer electronics. Initially, they were sometimes used in applications requiring tamper resistance, since the drive systems and screwdrivers were not widely available; as drivers became more common, tamper-resistant variants, as described below, were developed. [4] Torx screws are also becoming increasingly popular in construction industries.