Hex / Allen vs. Tri-Wing
Comparing 2 standards across 8 specifications. 8 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.
The Tri-Wing drive (standardized under military spec MIL-P-87893 / NASM 87893) is a tamper-resistant security drive featuring three radial slotted wings surrounding a triangular center point. Originally developed for aerospace structural skins, it was adopted by Nintendo for older cartridge and console hardware -- a distinct drive from the visually different Tri-Point/Y-type screw Apple uses today, despite the two often being confused.
Specification Comparison Table
8 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Drive Geometry
|
Symmetrical 6-sided internal hexagon socket | 3 radial wings offset from a central triangular hub (120-degree radial spacing) |
|
Cam-Out Tendency
|
Low (Requires axial insertion depth; strips if bit is worn or undersized) | Moderate (Requires steady axial alignment to prevent bit climb) |
|
Primary Applications
|
Machine tools, bicycle components (4/5/6mm), 3D printers (2.5/3mm), flat-pack furniture | Aerospace fuselage panels, older Nintendo cartridge/console hardware (original Game Boy, Game Boy Advance) |
|
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" | — |
|
Original Manufacturer / Spec
|
— | Phillips Screw Company / MIL-P-87893 (US Military Aerospace Specification) |
|
Standard Sizing Tiers
|
— | TRI-000, TRI-00, TRI-0, TRI-1, TRI-2, TRI-3, TRI-4, TRI-5 |