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Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips Drive: Why Torx Star Drive Wins

BUY TORX STAR DRIVE

Torx drive diagram with six-point star design, superior to Phillips and Pozidriv, ideal for high-torque projects. Shop Torx screws at AlbanyCountyFasteners.com

Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips Drive

Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips Drive, it’s the ultimate drive test. Imagine sinking a screw into hardwood with a single, smooth twist, no slipping, no stripping, just pure precision. That’s the magic of Torx, the star-shaped drive that’s leaving Pozidriv and Phillips in the dust. If you’ve ever wrestled with a stripped Phillips screw or wondered why Pozidriv feels like a half-step forward, you’re not alone. At AlbanyCountyFasteners.com, we’ve seen the future of fastening, and it’s Torx, also known as Star or 6-Lobe drive. Let’s dive into the showdown of Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips Drive, exploring why Torx is the go-to for DIYers, contractors, pros, and everyone in between.  You loved our last blog article on Phillips versus Pozidriv, this blog article takes it to the next level.

The Battle of the Drives: Understanding Torx, Pozidriv, and Phillips

Screw drives are major players in every project that are commonly overlooked and choosing the right one can make or break your work. Phillips, with its classic cross shape, has been a staple since the 1930s, designed for self-centering but notorious for cam-out (that frustrating slip when you apply too much torque) and easy stripping.  Have you ever had to use a screw extractor or a rubber band to remove a stripped screw?  It was probably a Phillips drive. Pozidriv, an evolution of Phillips, adds four radial notches for better grip and less slipping, but it’s still not perfect. Enter Torx, with its six-point star design, engineered in 1967 to deliver unmatched torque and durability. In the contest of Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips, Torx’s radial force and precise fit make it a game-changer.

Why does this matter? Whether you’re assembling furniture, securing machinery, or tackling a deck, the right drive saves time and headaches. Let’s break down how Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips drive stack up against each other.

What is Phillips Drive? An OG

When it comes to screw drives, Phillips is the go-to  you’ve probably got in your toolbox and know like the back of your hand.. With its cross-shaped design dating back to the 1930s, it’s been a staple for decades, gracing everything from furniture to car parts, making it an easy choice for anyone with a basic screwdriver. That widespread use is a testament to its staying power, but it’s not a lasting solution.

The Phillips drive’s biggest flaw is its tendency to strip under pressure, especially with high torque, which can leave you struggling to remove or reuse screws over time, a real headache for any project. Plus, its plain look pales next to the sleek, modern appeal of a star drive like Torx. And let’s not forget the wear on your tools; those slipped bits can dull quickly, adding to the cost. Depending on how soft the material is that your screw is made out of, Phillips is more and more susceptible to stripping and slipping, making it our last choice for your projects.

Shop Phillips Drive Screws on our website: Phillips Drive Screws

What is Pozidriv? A Step Up, But Not Enough

Pozidriv screws, marked by their extra radial notches, were designed and introduced in the 1960s to address Phillips’ cam-out issue. Specifically, it was developed by the Phillips Screw Company in collaboration with the American Screw Company, with its design patented in 1966 by George Camperchioli. Manufacturing began shortly thereafter, with the drive gaining traction in Europe and other markets by the late 1960s, particularly for industrial and automotive applications where better grip was needed.

This timeline positions Pozidriv as a mid-20th-century innovation, building on the Phillips drive’s 1930s origins. Pozidriv, often misspelled as “Pozidrive”, offers better torque transfer and grip, making them a favorite in European manufacturing. But here’s the catch: Pozidriv still uses an axial force, which can lead to slipping under high torque. Plus, the similarity to Phillips causes confusion, using the wrong driver can damage both screw and tool.  In addition, Pozidriv screws can still be stripped during installation and removal, making them the inferior choice in the battle of Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips Drive

While Pozidriv is an improvement, it’s not the revolution you might expect.  Adding to the list of issues is the fact that Pozidriv screws aren’t popular or widely found in the United States, and they mostly come in zinc, which isn’t going to withstand the test of time like stainless steel, brass, or other materials will.

What is Torx Star Drive? The Star That Outshines Them All

Torx, with its six-point star (or hexalobular) pattern, is often referred to as “star drive” or “6 lobe” in the fastener world.  Star drive is the heavyweight champ; it’s a drive powerhouse. Unlike the axial force of Phillips and Pozidriv, its radial force across six points eliminates cam-out, letting you apply serious torque without stripping the screw or bit.

Torx drive is resistant to stripping, which makes it easy to remove, reinstall, and reuse multiple times, especially if you are using stainless steel screws which are corrosion resistant and can be reused multiple times in different projects. Perfect for automotive repairs, construction, or security applications, Torx screws—like our T25 sheet metal screws—last longer and pair with durable bits. In the battle of Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips, Torx is the clear winner. We sell Torx Star Drive in Machine Screws, Deck Screws, and Security Tamper Proof Screws on our website.

Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips Drive: The Breakdown

  • Torque: Torx handles high torque with ease, thanks to its six-point design. Pozidriv improves on Phillips but still lags behind Torx. Phillips is the weakest, prone to cam-out and stripping.
  • Durability: Torx screws and bits last longer due to even force distribution. Pozidriv is better than Phillips but can strip if misused. Phillips screws often wear out quickly, making their reusability and durability sub-par.
  • Ease of Use: Torx’s star shape ensures a snug fit, even in tough conditions. Pozidriv requires precise driver matching, while Phillips is forgiving but slip-prone.
  • Applications: Torx shines in automotive, construction, and security applications (e.g., Torx security screws). Pozidriv suits manufacturing, while Phillips is common but outdated for high-torque tasks.

Why Choose Torx? Switch to the Star!

In the matchup of Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips Drive, Torx takes the crown for its power and reliability. Pozidriv edges out Phillips, but it can’t touch Torx’s cam-out resistance. Torx’s rise isn’t just hype. In woodworking, Torx screws like our T25 sheet metal screws bite into materials without slipping, perfect for decks or furniture. In automotive, Torx machine screws (e.g., T20) secure parts with precision, as seen in car repairs across X posts (@I_am_Rooster, 2025). Security Torx screws add tamper resistance, ideal for public installations.

Ready to upgrade your projects? Explore our range of Torx machine screws, sheet metal screws, and security screws at AlbanyCountyFasteners.com.

Other Drive Styles

There are over a dozen drive styles for screws and bolts; we have created a guide and visual aid on our Fasteners 101 reference materials to help you understand them.  Our Drives, Heads, and Threads page in Fasteners 101 describes each drive and includes photos of the drive styles, as well as the head types that they are machined into.  The size of a drive style can vary depending on the size of the head that is being machined.  Check out this YouTube video that talks about different screw drives if you want more information on Torx vs Pozidriv vs Phillips Drive, and all of the other drives that may interest you.

 

Types Of Screws | Albany County Fasteners

Types of Screws

Screws are a fastener variety that is widely used every day. They come in many shapes and sizes and all have different uses depending on the type of screw. The word screw and bolt are often used interchangeably. You will often see smaller fasteners called screws and as they get bigger they are referred to as bolts. Generally, the term screw defines any fastener that after being installed into the material holds itself into that material. A bolt is used to bolt two materials together by going through the materials and being fastened with a nut, creating a bolted joint. Consider that a machine screw needs a nut or a pre-tapped hole to install.

Screw Terminology

Screw Terminology Diagram: Drive Style, Head Type, Shank, Threading, Point, Diameter, Length, Threads Per Inch, and Thread Pitch

Material
The material that a screw is made out of. Often chosen based on environmental and structural needs.
Grade
Different compositions of a material that can change it’s qualities, making it a better choice based on environmental and structural needs.
Diameter
The thickness of the over-all screw. Determines the size of the hole that needs to be drilled into the materials.
Length
How long a screw is. This measurement can vary depending on the head style of the screw.(See Helpful Resource #2)
Threads Per Inch (TPI)
Amount of thread peaks measured from peak to peak in an inch length of the fastener. Used to measure threading for imperial fasteners.
Thread Pitch
Distance between two thread peaks. Used to measure threading for metric fasteners.
Drive Style
Indicates the type of driver to be used for optimal results. For example: A Phillips head indicates a Phillips driver should be used.
Head Type
The top portion of the screw and contains the drive style. Screws have different head types based on the application they are being used for. Some make the screw flush with the installation surface while others leave the screw head exposed for a quality finish.
Shank
Refers to an unthreaded portion under the head of several types of screws. This can vary based on the length, diameter and type of the screw. The shank aids in compression and clamping force of the installaton materials, as well as, reducing the chance of breaking due to over-heating.(See Helpful Resource #1)
Threading
The portion of the fastener that has a helical shape rolled into it. Causes the screw to pull into the material and hold in place.
Point
The very tip of a screw. Depending on the type of screw, a variety of points can be available. For example: Drill Point, TEK Points.

*Note: A drive style usually has several different sizes as well. Usually indicated by a number for example: Phillips #2

Measuring Screws

Screws are measured in diameter by length. An example of an imperial screw measurement would be a #7 x 1″ deck screw. The #7 is the pre-defined diameter of the screw and the 1″ is the length of the screw. Imperial diameters range from 0 to 24 and their lengths are measured in inches. When measuring a metric screw, you use the same format of diameter by length, but both are measured using millimeters. For example, an M5 x 10M means a diameter of 5mm and a length of 10mm. It is not uncommon when dealing with screws to see the thread pitch added in as well.

Imperial Metric
1/4″-20 x 1″ M5 x .8 x 10M

As seen above, the thread pitch is added into the middle. For imperial the 20 stands for 20 threads per inch whereas with the metric the .8 stands for .8 threads per millimeter. It is common practice to leave out the thread pitch on screws during the listing process as the pitch matters less because it does not have to match a nut. When measuring the length of screws, the head of the screw will matter. For most screw types you measure from the bottom of the head to the tip. An exception to this rule is a flat head. Always measure flat head screws from the top of the head to the point.



Screw Installation

Installing screws is a simple process. Using either a screwdriver or drill/driver with the appropriate driver bit, place even pressure on the drive recess and being spinning it. The way you will need to spin depends on the orientation of the screw threads although most are right-hand threaded (meaning spin to the right). Some screws have self-drilling points which are essentially a notched tip that allows a screw to drill into the material as it is being installed. Wood screws should always have a hole pre-drilled before installing them. Pre-drilling into wood will prevent cracks and splintering from occurring especially when working with hardwood. Self-tapping screws have sharp cutting threads that will cut deeply into the material during installation for a more secure hold.

Types of Screws

Screws are all engineered for different purposes. It is best practice to use a wood screw for wood for example because it was designed to have the optimal hold in wood applications.

  

Concrete Screws

Concrete Screws are easily distinguished by their blue coating which protects them in harsh conditions. They cut threads into concrete and are used to secure materials to concrete, brick or block.

  

 

Deck Screw

Deck Screws

Deck screws feature a type 17 notched point for removing chips of wood to make it easy to install in wood and composite deck materials.

  

 

Lag Screw

Lag Screws

Lag screws, commonly called lag bolts, are large wood screws with threading that extends all the way up the shaft.

  

 

Self Drilling Screws

Self-Drilling Screws

Self-drilling screws are screws with a self-drilling (TEK) point to pierce through 20 to 14-gauge metals. The higher the TEK number, the larger the drill point to pierce heavier gauge metals.

  

 

Sheet Metal Screws

Sheet Metal Screws

Sheet metal screws have sharp cutting threads that cut into sheet metal, plastic or wood. They have a fully threaded shank and sometimes have a notched point at the tip to aid in chip removal during thread cutting.

  

 

Wood Screws

Wood Screws

Wood screws are partially threaded with large cutting threads and a smooth shank. They are designed to slide through the top piece of wood and tightly pull all boards together. A Deck Screw is a variety of a wood screw.



Screw Drive Styles

There are many screw drive styles available depending on the type of screw being installed. The four most popular styles for screws are the following:

slotted drive

SLOTTED

A straight line cut into the center of the head.

phillips drive

PHILLIPS

The most common drive style. Shaped like a cross.

square drive

SQUARE

A square shape, resists stripping out.

torx

TORX / STAR / 6 LOBE

Torx drive, also known as star drive, is considered the least likely to strip during a proper installation and provides a more decorative drive finish.

There are many other head types including internal hex (Allen Driven) and other more specialty heads called security heads which include spanner, Torx with pin, Philips with pin, and many more.

Screw Heads

Screw heads serve different purposes, a flat head is used to countersink the screw so nothing remains exposed. While others have more decorative or functional properties. There are many common heads on screws and each usually serves a different purpose depending on the application. Listed below are the common head types found on screws and their functions.

bugle head

Bugle Head

A Bugle Head is similar to a flat head with a rounded section that will pull down drywall instead of cutting through it as it is fastened.

button head

Button Head

A button head is a rounded head, used primarily in socket cap screws. This head sits above the installation surface.

Button Flange

Button Flange

The button flange head is similar to the regular button head style but with a flange or integrated washer to increase surface area during an installation.

Fillister Head

Fillister Head

A head with a higher profile than other head styles.

External Hex Head

External Hex Head

This head is designed to be driven by a wrench and allows for high torque installations. The head of all lag screws.

Hex Washer Head

Hex Washer Head

A head that is designed to be driven by a wrench with an integrated washer or flange to increase the installation surface area. A common head for driving concrete screws due to its stronger installation points.

No Head

No Head

Exclusive to the socket set screw, lacks a head and has an internal drive in the body of the screw itself.

Flat Head

Flat Head

A flat head is designed to be drilled into a material until it sits flush with the installation surface.

Oval Head

Oval Head

Similar underside to that of a flat head screw but with a decorative rounded top. Commonly used as a finish screw in visible applications.

Pan Head

Pan Head

A screw with a rounded head (less so than a button or round head) and a flat bottom designed to sit directly on the installation surface.

Pancake Head

Pancake Head

A flat topped head with a wide head to sit close to flush but also have a large surface area on the installation material for grip.

Round Head

Round Head

A completely rounded head that was very popular but has become less so with the variety of heads now available.

Truss Head

Truss Head

With a wider installation surface area, this style is used where a lower profile is desired but a strong grip is needed.

Modified Truss Head

Modified Truss Head

Similar to the truss head but with an integrated washer which increases the surface area of the head even more.

Screw Threading

Screws have both coarse and fine threading options available. Both have a place when it comes to choosing screws. Coarse thread screws tend to have a larger pitch and size relative to the diameter. This thicker threading provides more retention and gripping power (resistance to pull-out). Fine thread screws have thinner more frequent threading which prevents these screws from vibrating loose accidentally. Fine thread screws are also considered to be significantly more delicate than coarse threaded screws.

Downside Of Screws

Screws are an excellent fastener to use for a wide variety of projects but have a couple of downsides.

  • Shear Strength – Screws have a relatively weak shear strength. If the application will be under shear forces, bolts or nails should be used instead.
  • Hold – Sometimes screws loosen and it can be caused by a variety of factors.
    1. Temperature Change which causes the material to expand and contract resulting in a less firm hold.
    2. Vibrations cause loosening in most fasteners over-time by rotating them out of their installation.
    3. Varying Weight fluctuations in load can cause screws to loosen as well by warping the material and screws themselves.
Helpful Resources
  1. Why Do Wood Screws Have A Shank?
  2. Fastener Measuring
  3. Fastener Varieties
  4. Fastener Drives, Heads and Threads