Why torx screws?

there is a thread floating around here about torx sets. i use a torx screw driver set (with 4 double sided bits) that i got at homedepot for $6.
 
I got a torx from Radio Shack that I am not so happy with. the little #6 kind of tore up real easy. It obviously wasn't hardened properly. I need to get a new set. The good news, the screw came out ahead and is fine.
 
The screw heads may not strip real easy but the bits do. I don't think they should use torx on larger applications. 2 real nice torx sets and I've broken a couple and ruined a few more. Would not have happened if they were allen head. Its stupid to use a torx bolt when its big enough that you have to use an impact gun on it.
 
Torx screws have more surface area. A flat head that small would not get tight enough. I'm guessing that small Phillips tend to strip with the torque needed to tighten a knife screw down.
 
zyhano said:
as an add on question: why use security torx? like on a leatherman wave/charge etc.?
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The security torx screws are the manufacturer's way of (not-so-subtly) saying, "Don't mess with it". In some circles, the security torx screws are also referred to as "tamper proof" or "tamper resistant". I used to see these screws in my job in the semiconductor field, on some VERY EXPENSIVE equipment we used. They were there solely for the purpose of (trying) to keep people from disassembling stuff that shouldn't be (except by the manufacturer).

I'm sure Leatherman didn't want to deal with the warranty/repair issues created by less-than-mechanically-adept individuals taking their tools apart and damaging them in the process. It doesn't keep everybody from messing with 'em (security torx bit sets are relatively easy to find anyway), but it'll at least make that possibility a little less convenient.
 
I use this Husky torx set I found at Lowes or Home Depot, I don't remember which. The biggest driver in it is size T-10. It's really comfortable to use and has always felt very sure and sturdy in hand.

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gomipile said:
I use this Husky torx set I found at Lowes or Home Depot, I don't remember which. The biggest driver in it is size T-10. It's really comfortable to use and has always felt very sure and sturdy in hand.

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Husky is an exclusive Home Depot brand. Lowe's has something similar (Cobalt brand), with an aluminum handle.

I have two sets of the Husky (and I like 'em too), and one of the Cobalt sets. Haven't used the Cobalt as much, but it seems decent too.
 
It's always a good idea to buy quality tools especially when dealin' with smaller screws, it's so much easier to tear up screws when the bit size isn't exact when dealin' with micro screws and the like.

If ya spend the money now on quality tools like WIHA or even Sears Craftsman, you'll never be sorry later, stay away from gimmicky pocket drivers they strip and break off in the screws.
 
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bluebanshee said:
The screw heads may not strip real easy but the bits do. I don't think they should use torx on larger applications. 2 real nice torx sets and I've broken a couple and ruined a few more. Would not have happened if they were allen head. Its stupid to use a torx bolt when its big enough that you have to use an impact gun on it.
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Well, IMHO you either used the wrong bit size or you had nice looking but crappy sets - I've ruined a low budget torx-6 but I've never ruined or stripped any good quality torx bit. Never. And I have used quite a lot 80-180mm wood screws with torx-20 to t-30 and some t-6 wiha bits for my knives. No failure...
 
I would prefer the use of Torx Plus screws. A much better contact ratio than standard Torx.
 
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