Join us as we unravel the name confusion surrounding this pair of similar screw heads, allowing you to finally put the correct title to a fastener on the jobsite. You’re welcome.
Four names. Two screw heads. One question: Is each pair the same screw? The pairs we’re referring to of course are Robertson vs. Square screws and Torx vs. Star screws, and yes, we do realize talking about them all together is a bit confusing (not to mention a pain to write about) but just stay with us as we break it all down for you.
It’s Hip to be Square
To start, let’s talk about Robertson screws, the Canadian-invented MVPs of the framing and carpentry world. Imagine you’ve just walked out of a Toronto hardware store with your freshly purchased package of Robertson #2 screws. You open it up and at first glance the shape on the screw head is unmistakably a square. This leads you to believe that Robertson IS a square headed screw, and for the most part you’re right. In use the two CAN be interchangeable (cue Morpheus voice) But what if I told you there actually is a difference between Robertson and Square head screws…
(Cue Neo voice) Whoa.
It’s true. Robertson screws feature a tapered square socket, meaning a Robertson bit stays locked in place like it was meant to be there. No slipping, no stripping, just smooth, effortless torque transfer. Standard square head screws don’t feature that tapered design but are still effective fasteners that are commonly used in industrial and mechanical applications.
So, what’s the key takeaway here? All Robertson screws are square head screws, but not all square head screws are Robertson screws. There. Cleared that up for you. Now onto the second layer of this screw naming mystery: Torx vs. Star.
The Star (Naming) Wars
Not long ago, in a galaxy not far away (our very own, in fact) a star screw was born. Its name: Torx.
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This was the trademarked title given to the new screw head developed and owned by its creator in 1967, a company called Camcar Textron. With a new screw design patent protected, Camcar and some other companies they would license to, were the only manufacturers of the star shaped “Torx” fastener.
Torx screws were designed for improved grip, better torque transfer, and reduced cam-out (aka: no more stripping the screw head and ruining your day) They were invented to be used in manufacturing, automotive, and electronics because they can handle high torque output without damage.
This name was widely recognized as the official title for the fastener, but as time went on and patents expired more and more people would refer to the star shape of the screw instead of the official brand name (think the opposite effect of Kleenex vs. facial tissue or Band-Aid vs. adhesive bandage)
For purists who insist they call something by the right word, Torx is the official name when referring to star shaped fastener heads. "Star screws" is just a general and possibly more commonly said term people use when they don’t know or want to say "Torx"
But as far as comparing the function of the screw goes, yes, Star and Torx screws are the same thing.
Now That you Have This Knowledge…
Use it! Impress your boss the first day on site. Show all your DIY buddies that you’re practically a tool encyclopedia. Spend way less time in the hardware shop fastener isle trying to determine if you have the right screw for the job, because now you know. And make sure you pick the right tool for the job when you see any of these screws staring back at you on the jobsite. Lucky for you as your go-to multi-bit experts, we’ve got you covered.
A great place to start is our Original Driver, that just so happens to have four sizes of square bits and four sizes of Torx bits loaded inside. If you come across actual PL Robertson screws, take ‘em down with an official PL Robertson Driver, loaded with 4 double sided authentic cling fit Robertson bits. And if you’re working mostly with Torx screws grab our Automotive Ratcheting Driver, loaded with 6 single- end star bits.
And there you have it. This screw naming mystery has been solved, and it will no longer be a question that suddenly pops into your mind right when you’re about to fall asleep at night (hate when that happens) You also now officially know what screwdrivers to use with these fasteners, and that knowledge gives you the power to get the job done.
