Hex / Allen vs. Torx Plus
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
The Hex drive (Allen socket / Internal Hexagon, standardized under ISO 4026 and DIN 912) is a 6-sided symmetrical polygonal drive recess developed in the early 1900s by William G. Allen. Widely used in socket head cap screws, bicycle components, and flat-pack furniture, it provides high clamping torque with compact cylindrical head profiles.
Torx Plus is an advanced evolution of the hexalobular star drive introduced by Textron Fastening Systems in the 1990s. Featuring squarer, elliptical lobes and a true 0-degree drive angle, it increases torque transmission capacity by up to 35% and extends assembly tool bit life by up to 100% in industrial manufacturing.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Drive Geometry
|
Symmetrical 6-sided internal hexagon socket | 6 elliptical lobes with flattened lobe tips |
|
Standard Specifications
|
ISO 4762 / DIN 912 (Socket head cap screws) / ASME B18.3 | — |
|
Metric Standard Sizes
|
1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0, 12.0, 14.0, 17.0 mm | — |
|
Imperial Standard Sizes
|
0.050", 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" | — |
|
Cam-Out Tendency
|
Low (Requires axial insertion depth; strips if bit is worn or undersized) | — |
|
Primary Applications
|
Machine tools, bicycle components (4/5/6mm), 3D printers (2.5/3mm), flat-pack furniture | — |
|
Proprietary Standard
|
— | Acument Global Technologies (formerly Camcar Textron) |
|
Drive Angle
|
— | 0 degrees (true perpendicular tangential drive vector) |
|
Torque Transmission Gain
|
— | Up to 35% higher torque than standard Torx |
|
Tool Bit Lifespan Gain
|
— | 100% to 200% longer drive bit life |
|
Sizing Notation
|
— | IP (Internal Torx Plus: 1IP to 100IP) and EP (External Torx Plus) |
|
5-Lobe Security Variant
|
— | Torx Plus Security (5-lobe star with central tamper pin, 8IPR to 50IPR) |