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.

One of the biggest problems with straight and Phillips heads are their ability to slip when there’s more torque than grip. This can lead to stripped heads and a greater risk of personal injury. Several types of screwdriver have been created to combat this flaw, including both the Allen wrench and Torx driver. 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. Another bit of terminology that can be confusing is when referencing internal Torx vs external Torx. When talking Torx bits, we’re actually referring to an internal Torx head. In other words, the bit is inserted into the head of the fitting. Torx bits are a specialized type of screwdriver bit designed to prevent slips. They’re a standard 1” length and have a flattened, six-pointed head. For this last reason, they’re generally known as star bits. BenefitsThis is one of those common questions where the answer is a very reserved yes. You can theoretically remove a Torx screw using a straight screwdriver or Allen key provided the two are the appropriate size. However, in both cases, you run the high risk of stripping the head. There are also a lot of emergency DIY methods out there, such as softening a piece of plastic and shaping it to fit. However, these other methods are just as prone to failure. In the end, it’s usually much cheaper to simply buy an actual star bit set. Torx Bit Sizes Charts Internal Star Bit Sizes Size 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. There’s a lot of potential confusion when it comes to whether or not you should include Torx bits (aka: star bits) in your toolkit. Additionally, you may not be familiar with the various standard and uncommon star bit sizes.

Many star bits have little improvements, such as knurled ends or ball dents to improve handle grip. While essentially the same as official Torx, these little additions tend to make third party star bits a more popular choice. Internal vs External Torx External Torx