Not so long ago, a basic flat or Phillips screwdriver was enough to work with screws and screws with an internal slot. The desire to increase tightening confidence and enable greater torque transmission has led to the creation of many different types of notches on screws and bolts.
Another common reason for introducing sophisticated shapes was to protect against unscrewing attempts by unskilled personnel without appropriate tools. The matter seems simple, but failure to ensure accurate fit of the tool may result in the destruction of the socket of the fastener. Only the use of the right profile in the form of a screwdriver , bit or L-key will ensure good force transfer and protect against damage.
Among the huge number of profiles available in the automotive industry, there are usually only a few of them. Sometimes the differences are small, but using the wrong tool can cause a lot of problems. In this text you will learn about their types and briefly how they differ. You will also learn about the advantages and disadvantages of individual socket profiles.
A well-known profile that is the precursor of all other types of notches on screws and bolts. It is still very popular, although in the automotive industry it is gradually being replaced by more effective solutions. It is characterized by a relatively low torque transfer capacity and lack of tool centering. A common mistake when selecting the right screwdriver bit is using too narrow a profile.
The popular "cross". Continued 
very popular profile. It allows the transfer of greater force than a flat one thanks to the four edges of pressure application. Another advantage is the automatic centering of the tool during work. However, the relatively small surface to which the force is transferred favors damage to the socket. Another disadvantage is the tendency to push the tool out. When using a poorly selected tool, the above-mentioned defects increase. Damage to the Phillips profile also occurs through incorrect use of the Pozidriv profile. Unfortunately, this mistake happens quite often.
Currently one of the most popular profiles in motor 
ization. The star shape and six cams provide the ability to transmit more torque. Additionally, the tool self-centers itself in the cut and is not pushed out during operation. Problems occur in the case of seized threaded connections, profile corrosion or when screws are tightened without following the manufacturer's guidelines. Tool damage also occurs when used with the TORX PLUS profile
As in the previous case - this is a security profile. It has 5 instead of 6 vertices and a hole. Apart from that, it does not have any special properties. It can only be unscrewed with a dedicated tool. Also found in car electronics.
internalAnother safety profile on the list. Features identical to those of the classic hexagon. The only difference is the hole that fits the pin in the screw socket.
Very popular, c 
a common profile. It allows for easy centering and the tool is not pushed out during operation. The transferred torque is at a decent level, but due to the relatively small surfaces of force application and the large angle between the profile edges, there is a high risk of damage to the screw socket and the tool.
To put it simply, eat them 
st is a Philips profile with an additional, narrower and shallower cross cut. It has all the advantages and disadvantages of a "standard cross", but additional notches stabilize the tool better and slightly increase the ability to transfer forces. As in the case of Philips - you should pay attention to the risk of confusing the tool.
"Improved" version of TORX. The shape is similar, but the larger cross-section allows for the transmission of even greater torque. Using a tool with a TORX profile to work with a TORX PLUS profile poses a high risk of damaging the tool or screw.
This is a typical case of protection against unscrewing by unauthorized persons. A twin profile with a regular TORX, but it is used to unscrew the screw with the "pin" in the socket. Provides slightly better fits compared to the original. The remaining properties are identical. Mostly found in controllers, sensors and other electronic components.
As for the principle of operation, the profile is similar to TORX. However, twelve relatively small teeth enable the transfer of much greater torque. During operation, the tool is not pushed out and centers very precisely in the socket. Due to its lower popularity, XZN can be treated as a security profile. It is found mainly in the automotive industry. The key to success when working with it is the proper selection of the tool, despite the common problems caused by corrosion and contamination.
In the automotive industry, we can also encounter other profiles, but they are encountered much less frequently or even not at all. Mostly, these are mainly shapes intended to protect threaded connections against unscrewing by unauthorized persons.
In our store network you will find a wide range of Redmaster bits and screwdrivers. This supplier of various hand tools largely covers the needs of most of the socket profiles presented.
