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Torx WTF

I have broken a few Torx bits - T25 used on aluminium casings and lids for electric motors. Exposed to the salt-air environment and covered with silicone still doesn't protect them. It also doesn't help that the idiot manufacturers.... "SEW Eurodrive" thread the terminal box AND the lid. So you end up binding two threads and then add the corrosion factor in the mix.

I fixed that when I found out - I drill out the lids now and just have one thread to deal with.

Doesn't help our buddy eldubb, but it does re-assure him that he is not the only one capable of breaking Torx bits..... it is easily done.

:xscuseless:

I had to smash a way into this terminal box....and replace it of course.


20190323_160301.jpg


This is a new motor with a special high-quality rough-service coating (extra paint) and look at the stupid screws. So I finished it up like this.....

1745561018077.png

That was after drilling out the lid threads.....only trouble is that silicone takes a while to remove if you ever need to get back in again. :rolleyes:

Another example of better protection......
1745561107360.png


This is what happens when a redneck Mechanical guy gets his hammer swinging......
1745561185260.png
 
I submit the following smart *** replies-all done in the voice of Gilbert Gottfried
1. And they have the nerve to call them TORQUES!
2. Dont even think about buying Harbor Freight Torx bits!
3. Remember the old shade tree torque rule of thumb- tighten till it breaks then back off 1/4 turn
 
All Torx fasteners will be left-hand thread beginning next year.
:steering:
 
I used Torx at work quite a bit. My understanding is that they were first thought up to just increase the area of contact for screws and fasteners. That in turn reduced the amount of torque on phillips and slotted screws making screws less likely to slip when tightening. We used them to help keep people from tampering with stuff. Then they went mainstream so that went out the window. It's not that the bits are weak, which they are, it's the screwed up manufactures that decided to use them for things that really require a hex headed bolt. They work great as a replacement for Phillips and slotted head screws, which is all they're really good for and when used for that, mission accomplished. I question the manufacture of the product for using them and they need to explain there thought process. Using them on a bolt will either snap or twist the tool, depending on what they were made of. Screws and small fasteners only!!
 
I just got dome dealing with external torx on the motor mounts of my '15 Renegade.

Really??

Lower left-

20250318_172256.jpg


They don't slip off, which is what I thought was the whole point of the design.

$35 later.
 
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Torx are everywhere. They're great for framing or decking (screws) but not so much for hi-torque applications like bolts. Things like my rear seat belts in the wrangler, for instance...I replace the torx bolts with hex, because I take those belts out when I take out the back seat (hate when they flap in the wind with the top off), and repeated use tends to strip the torx heads. My motorcycles love them (t27) for their bodywork.

I will say I use the HF bits, though. Lifetime replacement, zero questions. Would it be nice if **** didn't break? Sure. But at least I don't have to pay for it. If anyone has a brand that DOESN'T break, let me know and I'll switch over ...

Craziest of all was when they rebuilt my legs with pins, titanium rods, and screws. I had them take 2 screws out below my left knee about a year after the accident because stepping on a clutch caused my quad muscle to twang over the screw heads (didn't tickle). They let me keep them - 3", coarse thread, self tapping tip, T27, titanium screws. I LITERALLY can never get away from torx screws (five in and above the left ankle, two above the right knee and three in the right hip)....
 
eldubb440 said:
who came up with this crap?

my buddy was here working on his car....... alterkation front

anyway, bolts in aluminum hubs are T45 and call for 55 ft lbs of torque......he breaks a craftsman T45

no biggy, I hand him a Snapon T45 ........ and snap! WTF!!! :BangHead: :BangHead: :BangHead:

pic, as per the golden rule

View attachment 1842234
Click to expand...
Show us a close up of the fastener. It might be Torx+
 
To me, it sounds like the bolt torx size was too small. Measure the bolt thread diameter to determine the correct torx size, and I will bet the bolts are made with the wrong torx socket size. I have only broken one Snap-On torx because some idiot used red loc-Tite and over torqued them. The nice thing is Snap-On is guaranteed for life. When an allen socket strips out, I will hammer a HF/JcW torx socket in to remove before i have to go thru the trouble of drilling them out.

torx_sheet_tieni.jpg
TorxSocket&BoltsChart.png
 
toolmanmike said:
Show us a close up of the fastener. It might be Torx+
Click to expand...

are they the ones with a hole in the middle? another great idea....... no, not one of those

I dont see it, I think he put it in his pocket, he knows a Snap On guy and can get it replaced
 
eldubb440 said:
are they the ones with a hole in the middle? another great idea....... no, not one of those

I dont see it, I think he put it in his pocket, he knows a Snap On guy and can get it replaced
Click to expand...
No, that is tamper proof. Torx+ looks more like a spline. Regular Torx is more pointed. If you use a Torx on a Torx+ fastener, I can guarantee you it will strip out. 28 years in the tool business taught me that.
1745588599071.png
 
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toolmanmike said:
No, that is tamper proof. Torx+ looks more like a spline. Regular Torx is more pointed. If you use a Torx on a Torx+ fastener, I can guarantee you it will strip out. 28 years in the tool business. View attachment 1842393
Click to expand...

left side........nothing stripped, the tool snapped in half at the top of the "spline"
 
Triplegreen500 said:
Craziest of all was when they rebuilt my legs with pins, titanium rods, and screws. I had them take 2 screws out below my left knee about a year after the accident because stepping on a clutch caused my quad muscle to twang over the screw heads (didn't tickle). They let me keep them - 3", coarse thread, self tapping tip, T27, titanium screws. I LITERALLY can never get away from torx screws (five in and above the left ankle, two above the right knee and three in the right hip)....
Click to expand...
I thought you were all screwed up !! :poke: :lol:
 
On a serious note, not too long ago I was taking something apart that was being discarded ( I like to do sometimes to see how certain gadgets work) and the fasteners were these small triangle screws. Wut ?? Don't have a tool for that in my toolbox ? Toolman Mike probably has what I needed !
 
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