How often is POZIDrive and Tamperproof TORX used by you?

[Holyroller125]

Just a simple question for these two types of fasteners, POZIDrive and Tamperproof TORX. How often you use them? Come by them?

I am working on my tool collection, and I do not want to buy a lot of miscellaneous tools that is going to just lay around?

Also, if you know of any other odd-type fastener that used other than the common fastener, please feel free to answer for it as well?

Thank You,
Gregory

 

[bonneyman]

Some years ago gas valve manufacturers for home furnaces went to tamper-resistant TORX screws for assembly. That's because we technicians would dis-assemble valves in the field and convert/modify/repair them (instead of buying a new one), and they wanted to put a stop to that. Probably litigation reasons, too.

The cars have some of those pesky things, too. But in the HVAC industry I don't see that many.

 

[dutchgray]

Pozidriv daily here in construction, Phillips is rare, we took to pozi over here.

 

[bry@n]

I use them infrequently. I have a cheap set, that sits in a bag with electrical tools because that's when I run across the tamperproof torx mostly.

 

[screff]

My '07 Triumph Thruxton had 1 Tamperproof torx on the bike (at least the only one I needed / wanted to loosen) that I have found. If memory serves it was somewhere on the handle bars / controls.

 

[rcktsled]

Older Jaguars (90's and earlier) were all Pozidrive. Not sure about the newer Jags.

If you were to buy the 1/4" drive bit kit from Harbor Freight in the red plastic case you would be pretty well covered. It has Torx, clutch, all sorts of oddball bits.

 

[Jlarson]

All the time on electrical equipment. Tamperproof hex on fire alarm too.

 

[scissorman]

I use pozi-drive every day, I have yet to have a need for a tamper proof torx.

 

[PossumDog]

I only use tamper proof torx when taking things apart.
I don't know that I've ever used pozi drive.

Like was said, get a box of 1/4" hex bits with a variety of bits for $10-15 and you'll have them when you need them. I got a set at Autozone but the HF looks good too.

Edit to add:
The other bits that I use a lot of tend to be either regular torx or hex.
Also I use a lot of Robertson #2 with kreg screws.

 

[demographic]

I work in construction in the UK and use Posidrive pretty much every single day at work, almost all our woodscrews are Posidrive (mostly Posi 2's).
Then we use Philips for all the plasterboard (sheetrock) screws.

I also use Torx a lot (the masonry screws are often Torx) but tamperproof torx is pretty rare. I bought one of those cheapo kits with masses of security bits and although not the best quality I've had it for a few years. The Posi and Phillips don't last so I replaced those with Wera bits and the oddball security bits are OK, if I wear them out its because they get used more so I replace those with Wera bits as and when they break.
No point in spunking masses of cash on every one of them being amazing quality if I'm unlikely to use them all.

 

[hautpot]

Pozidriv on electrical receptacles, I despise the last person who installs them with Phillips drives and cams all of them out.

 

[straightcut]

How often depends on what you typically work on...

Saabs from the 70's - 80's used them all over. Now, that I don't drive/work on Saabs, I rarely use them. Last week, I spotted Pozidrive screws on my early Black & Decker Workmate.

It's definitely worth having Pozidrive #1, 2 & 3 in case you run into them.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Bought a set of SnapOn POZIdrive screwdrivers back in the early 80's... They have seen allot of use.

My tamperproof TORX bits have seldom been used.

 

[Dave455]

I use Pozidriv all the time. Probably the most common screw recess I find. They've been used on British made cars since the late 60's and European made cars almost as long. If I go out and buy a box of woodscrews they are likely to be Pozidriv, as are most machine screws now!

Of course, like dutchgrey above, I'm in the U.K. and Phillips screws were only really used in our aircraft industry here (they still are). They were seldom found anywhere else, but when Pozidriv were introduced here by Nettlefolds, they were pretty much an instant hit!

 

[rlitman]

Last time I saw pozidriv was on Ikea furniture.

 

[8man]

Tamper proof torque on some Jeeps.

 

[APEowner]

Pozidrive often (GM interior screws) Tamperproof TORX infrequently but when you need one you need one. I wouldn't bother buying a dedicated set of drivers for the tamperproof but an inexpensive set of 1/4 security bits is a good addition to any toolbox.

 

[Adam.C]

Hi Gregory

PZI are pretty common. Most drywall screws are PZI. And I encounter them frequently in car interiors (tho T20 is common too). Having a good set of torx bit sockets is a good idea, especially in T20 or T27-T55. The smaller can usually be handled with an interchangeable bit screwdriver.

My advice is to start with a ratcheting screwdriver set. These typically have interchangeable magnetic bits for a wide array of screw types including those you mentioned.

 

[djb2]

I've encountered security Torx on computer parts and electronics in the past. Now I mostly encounter it on A/C motors, on the covers to the switch and capacitor, and GFCI enclosures. In those applications the fastener heads are selected for security, not because of high torque, so inexpensive bits work fine.

 

[Robbie UK]

I use Pozidriv all the time. Probably the most common screw recess I find. They've been used on British made cars since the late 60's and European made cars almost as long. If I go out and buy a box of woodscrews they are likely to be Pozidriv, as are most machine screws now!

Of course, like dutchgrey above, I'm in the U.K. and Phillips screws were only really used in our aircraft industry here (they still are). They were seldom found anywhere else, but when Pozidriv were introduced here by Nettlefolds, they were pretty much an instant hit!

I keep finding PH2 on my Land Rover (2013 D4), horrible things. Most of it is held together by Torx fasteners though.

 

[75CrewDeutz]

I had to go buy tamper proof torx today to get the multifunction switch off the dodge Im parting out.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I have them in some bit sets just in case but haven't used them.

 

[Dave455]

I keep finding PH2 on my Land Rover (2013 D4), horrible things. Most of it is held together by Torx fasteners though.

We don't see Land Rovers as new as 2013 that much here in Sussex! Series 3 is considered a bit swanky! Someone probably sourced a cheap batch of screws, or more likely didn't know the difference!

Torx is actually quite a sensible design, but because of that, it often seems to get used where a conventional hex head bolt would be more appropriate, and a lot of (far eastern) fastener manufacturers use it as an excuse to make screws out of yet softer materials!

Good quality / aerospace grade Torx are an absolute joy to use, as are most aerospace grade fasteners!

 

[gungatim]

Older Jaguars (90's and earlier) were all Pozidrive. Not sure about the newer Jags.

If you were to buy the 1/4" drive bit kit from Harbor Freight in the red plastic case you would be pretty well covered. It has Torx, clutch, all sorts of oddball bits.

that is a great little set to have. I keep one in the truck, one in the box at home, and one to lend out...nobody ever has those and always need them for the oddest things. Guy at the cell-phone store told me about them when he was taking a phone apart.

As to where I use them? last thing was replacing ignition switch on Dodge Caravan. entire f'n steering column is E-torx...

 

[gungatim]

We don't see Land Rovers as new as 2013 that much here in Sussex! Series 3 is considered a bit swanky! Someone probably sourced a cheap batch of screws, or more likely didn't know the difference!

Torx is actually quite a sensible design, but because of that, it often seems to get used where a conventional hex head bolt would be more appropriate, and a lot of (far eastern) fastener manufacturers use it as an excuse to make screws out of yet softer materials!

Good quality / aerospace grade Torx are an absolute joy to use, as are most aerospace grade fasteners!

Rant mode on: I don't get why people keep saying that. Of all my tools, without a doubt, I have broken/stripped more Torx (male) sockets than all other sockets combined! they don't fit well, aren't deep enough, and don't have enough surface area on the little fingers...whoever designed those should be shot...and the sizes make absolutely no sense. T40,42, 45,47, but God forbid anybody make a set that actually has them all...don't understand why we can't just use good old fashioned allen/hex sockets. Wish they'd quit trying to fix something that aint broke!

OK rant off...

 

[PFSard]

Of all my tools, without a doubt, I have broken/stripped more Torx (male) sockets than all other sockets combined!

Any particular brands that have been the culprits?

 

[knobby]

My '07 Triumph Thruxton had 1 Tamperproof torx on the bike (at least the only one I needed / wanted to loosen) that I have found. If memory serves it was somewhere on the handle bars / controls.

This, I see a fair number of tamper resistant T40's used on motorcycle ignition/steering locks.

 

[knobby]

Rant mode on: I don't get why people keep saying that. Of all my tools, without a doubt, I have broken/stripped more Torx (male) sockets than all other sockets combined! they don't fit well, aren't deep enough, and don't have enough surface area on the little fingers...whoever designed those should be shot...and the sizes make absolutely no sense. T40,42, 45,47, but God forbid anybody make a set that actually has them all...don't understand why we can't just use good old fashioned allen/hex sockets. Wish they'd quit trying to fix something that aint broke!

OK rant off...

If you want to develop a strong dislike for torx fasteners just work on an Jeep wrangler that has a few years on it.

 

[Dave455]

Rant mode on: I don't get why people keep saying that. Of all my tools, without a doubt, I have broken/stripped more Torx (male) sockets than all other sockets combined! they don't fit well, aren't deep enough, and don't have enough surface area on the little fingers...whoever designed those should be shot...and the sizes make absolutely no sense. T40,42, 45,47, but God forbid anybody make a set that actually has them all...don't understand why we can't just use good old fashioned allen/hex sockets. Wish they'd quit trying to fix something that aint broke!

OK rant off...

I agree! Mostly!

The original Torx was designed as a replacement for Allen/hex socket screws and as originally designed it works well. Those are relatively small screws, however, and the heads have a deep recess.

However... it is now being used in applications where it never should be (those shallow head screws for example) or T60 instead of a proper bolt head where space is tight, and that's where the problem lies!

It was also originally designed for aerospace/military applications where the fasteners are of reasonable quality. Substitute cheap soft screws, let 'em get rusted in, and the concept doesn't work so well!

 

[KnurledNut]

Many applications for posidrive.
Just saw them today on an old econoline van front door latch.

 

[fasteddie313]

never...

 

[lauver]

Gang,

I live in US and work mainly on Japanese cars and light trucks. I also do work on commercial Scag mowers.

I've never needed a POZIDrive or TP Torx driver. I feel lucky

These tamperproof fasteners are getting way out of control

 

[Warrenator]

I repair electronic goodies for friends, sometimes cell phones, video games, usually something you order the part on ebay and watch a video on youtube, not hard at all to do, but tamper proof torx are often required. Also i just installed 4 tamper proof screws on my wife's horse trailer license plate becuase i think someone horked the old one. They ain't gettjng the new one without a struggle.

 

[ajchien]

Pozidrive every once in a while, mostly on something that was made in Europe. I keep a few wiha pozi bits around, not many. Tamper proof torx, seen them fasteners around, not yet had to mess with any of them.