To make things more complex, both systems have "Security" or "Tamper-Resistant" versions, denoted by a hollow dot in the center of the star.
The traditional American and official branded designation.
Why? Two reasons:
| Term | Primary Meaning | Common Use | Interchangeable? | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Torx driver size 20 (star shape) | Driving screws | Yes (with TX20) | | TX20 | Torx driver size 20 (explicit spelling) | Driving screws | Yes (with T20) | | T20 (thread) | A specific screw thread diameter/pitch | Industrial parts, lighting fixtures | No (completely different) |
While T20 and TX20 are the same, you must distinguish them from (often labeled as TR20 , T20H , or TX20 Security ). Standard T20/TX20: Solid tip.
Features a small hole in the center of the bit to accommodate a tamper-resistant pin found in some screw heads.
To save you a trip to the emergency room (or your local hardware store), here is the ultimate compatibility chart.
This is a different type of confusion. "T20" can also refer to a (like a metric M6x1.0 thread pitch, sometimes called "T20" in lighting or industrial parts), whereas TX20 refers only to the drive style (the star-shaped recess in the screw head).
is a bit of a chameleon. Technically, "TX" stands for Torx Plus . However, many generic manufacturers use "TX" as a simple abbreviation for "Torx." This is where the confusion begins.
In the world of tools and fasteners, T20 and TX20 refer to the exact same size and drive type
A standard T20 Torx drive is characterized by a simple, six-lobed, star-shaped pattern. The walls of the lobes are vertical. This design allows for higher torque transmission without damaging the tool or the screw.
: These have a small hole in the center of the bit to accommodate a tamper-resistant pin found in some screw heads.
