Christmas discounts, deals and inspiration. Shop & save today!
Pozi or Torx screws: which is the best fit?
WoodSpur has a selection of premium screws for every application, including the Torx and Pozi drive head screws, both suitable choices but what is the real difference between them?
The Pozi drive
The Pozi drive was initially introduced as an improvement on the standard Philips drive. The features of this screw demonstrate a blunt tip and four radial grooves, which allow for increased driver engagement. Very similar to the Phillips drive visually, the easiest way you can distinguish between them is the four shallow radial markings on their heads.
With the Phillips screw being superseded by Pozidrive, it made some improvements but it can somewhat still be at risk of suffering from ‘cam out’. The star shape prevents the bit from completely slipping onto your work. However, the cone shaped recess on each screw means that they are still prone to ‘cam out’ mishaps. Just ensure you remain consistent with a correct angle with the screw to avoid any slips or damages.
The Torx drive
Next, introducing the Torx head drive screw. Featuring a six point star shape, this screw has made some amendments on the functionality of its predecessor. This screw requires far less effort to drive into the wood and if you’re not careful, will be driven further down than what you expected. Notably, the greatest improvement is the close elimination of hassle of ‘cam out’ occurring. The hexalobular design of the Torx socket has allowed force to be closer to a 90 degree angle in each corner, meaning it’s stronger and more resistant to rounding.
The best fit?
Overall, both screws are a superb choice and are hugely popular for various applications. Traditionally, Pozi drive is the more popular choice of the two but an increasing number of users now opt for the Torx drive screw thanks to the improved drive force and reduced amounts of cam out. Either way, WoodSpur have designed two top quality zinc plated screws, with countersinking heads and threads that cut into the wood dividing the fibres; not just simply forcing through. You can rely on WoodSpur in all wood materials, natural or manmade.
Get in touch!
Have you bought WoodSpur's screws recently? We’d love to hear from you. Comment below or send us a photograph and tell us all about your purchase. Alternatively, get in touch via our social media platforms. Find us on Facebook or connect with us on Instagram using #WoodSpur to @AxminsterTools.
Want to see more?
Shop our full range of WoodSpur's fittings and fixtures here
Should you pilot drill the first piece of wood
Hi Ronald, the screws have deep sharp threads that cut into the wood dividing the fibres rather than simply forcing their way through and a penetrating tip, requiring no pilot hole or pre-drilling. Hope this helps.
Torx is now the only way, imho. The Phillips - though a huge improvement on the slot head - doesn't work that well, and strangely many European manufacturers still use them... Torx makes Posi drive pretty much redundant, and it's interesting to note that the Canadian Roberts head (square drive), which has been available there for many years and is also better - again imho - than Posi drive - has finally become available in the US and here also, but solely as a standard for pocket hole screws. And yes, pilot holes need to be used still, but with Torx you can get away with using them far less, depending...
Is there a list of which Bits suit different screws sizes?
Hi, the best way is to look at the label on the screws, as this will determine if it's a PZ1 or PZ2. As a guide, we can suggest that generally:
-3mm use a PZ1 orT10
-3.5mm use a PZ2 or T15
-4mm or 4.5mm use PZ2 or P20
-5mm use PZ2 or T25
-5.5mm uses pz3 OR t25
-6mm, 6.5mm and 7mm use PZ3 or P20
Hope this helps
I am taking about Torx Screws.
Hi,
I replied to your other quiery, hope this helps.
I believe the Philips screw head was designed specifically for the American auto industry prior to WW2, where a specific torque needed to be applied during manufacture. If the torque on the screw (or bolt) was exceeded, the cross head experienced 'cam out'. Screws/bolts were designed to be used with a very limited torque and couldn't be over tightened.