Professional mechanics and motor enthusiasts must have a large number of different wrenches in their workshops and garages, so that they can work comfortably on the various fasteners used in vehicles.
Today we focus our attention on a very particular type of profile: the Torx, commonly encountered in screws, nuts and bolts used to attach body parts, engine components and other elements of automobiles and motorcycles.
Below you can discover the reason for its success in the motors field and the characteristics that make the Torx one of the safest and most resistant profiles.
Characteristics of the Torx profile
Il Torx profile it is a fairly recent invention: it was developed in the 60s to overcome the defects of the simple cross and linear profiles which, until then, dominated the fastener and screwdriver market.
Traditional profiles, in fact, require not only carrying out a twisting movement to screw and unscrew the fastening elements, but also applying pressure to keep the tool inside the hole on the head of the screws and bolts. A tiring task that causes slips and, consequently, damage and accidents.
The advent of the Torx profile meant that for the first time the user no longer had to press on the fastener. This convenience has certainly contributed to the spread of keys and screws with this particular rounded six-pointed star-shaped groove: now, fasteners, inserts and Torx keys can be found online at sites like RS and in many physical instrument shops.
Among the main advantages of the Torx profile we can list:
- A very high degree of torque transmission;
- At the end of the screwing, it is not necessary to limit the rotation speed of the tool to avoid stripping the slot of the fastener;
- The distinctive Torx star shape does not clog with paint after decorative surface finishing;
- The rounded corners create a large contact surface between the key and the fastener and this perfect fit eliminates the risk of the tool slipping, as well as the need to press.
How to select a Torx wrench
As already written previously, the fact that the Torx profile allows a very strong tightening makes it ideal for use inside vehicles: not only cars and motorbikes, but also mopeds, bicycles and electric scooters that have been so fashionable in recent years.
Clearly, depending on the fastener, you need to have the correct size wrench. The most popular sizes of Torx wrenches range from T5 up to T20 and it is not uncommon for professionals to purchase them in sets.
Another aspect to take into consideration during the purchase is the material in which the keys are made. It is usually recommended to purchase keys made of heat-treated chrome vanadium steel: not only is it very resistant, but it can also cope with rust, corrosion and acidic chemicals that are often encountered in the workshop.
Torx keys often have the characteristic "L" shape also typical of Allen keys. More rarely, they may be “T” shaped or have a ergonomic handle made of rubber or plastic. The shape affects the ease of use, of course, but also the price.
Mid-range Torx keys are enough for home use, while for professionals it is advisable to buy more expensive tools, yes, but also more resistant to wear and more comfortable to hold.
When purchasing a set, it is advisable to also pay attention to the material with which the case is made (often plastic) or the support that allows you to transport the keys without losing them.
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