Torx Plus vs. Tri-Wing
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
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.
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
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Drive Geometry
|
6 elliptical lobes with flattened lobe tips | 3 radial wings offset from a central triangular hub (120-degree radial spacing) |
|
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) | — |
|
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 |
|
Cam-Out Tendency
|
— | Moderate (Requires steady axial alignment to prevent bit climb) |
|
Primary Applications
|
— | Aerospace fuselage panels, older Nintendo cartridge/console hardware (original Game Boy, Game Boy Advance) |