What Does a Torx Screw Look Like?
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Quick answer: A Torx screw has a six-lobed, star-shaped recess with rounded lobes. It should not be confused with a six-sided hex socket or a Phillips cross recess.
Key points
- Standard Torx has an open center.
- Security Torx includes a center pin.
- External Torx uses a star-shaped head driven by a matching socket rather than an internal recess.
How to choose or use it
Identify the drive before applying torque. Select a bit that seats fully across the lobes; do not use a hex key or undersized bit. If paint, dirt or corrosion fills the recess, clean it first to avoid stripping.
Installation and safety checklist
- Confirm the receiving material, hole preparation and mating thread.
- Verify diameter, pitch, length, head, drive, material and finish.
- Use a well-fitting tool, keep it aligned and tighten only to the required seating or specified torque.
- For structural, overhead or safety-critical joints, follow the approved design, code and manufacturer data.