Best Torx Screwdrivers

If you have ever looked at a hard disk drive on your computer, you'll notice that the screws require a 6-point star shaped screwdriver. That type of screw is known as the Torx screw. The Torx screw head was developed by Textron in 1967. The advantage that it has is that, due to the shape of the screw and screwdriver, the screwdriver doesn't slip out of the screw after it is properly tightened. (In flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers, this could damage both the screw and the screwdriver.) The Torx screwdriver must fit the Torx screw exactly in order for it to insert or remove a screw properly. You can get a set of individual screwdrivers, or a single handle with a number of interchangeable bits of different sizes.

We've put together this guide to help you select the best Torx screwdriver that answer to your needs. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of Torx screwdriver,

• See useful tips about that type of Torx screwdriver,    

• Read reviews of different brands of Torx screwdriver, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of Torx screwdriver, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

There are two varieties of Torx screwdrivers that you’ll see:

• Sets of fixed-handle screwdrivers: These will be individual screwdrivers, each with a different size driver. The set will thus cover a range of sizes.

• Screwdriver handle with interchangeable bits: Some manufacturers make a single handle screwdriver that accepts a full range of bits. It can accept a range of Torx screws, as well as Phillips-head, flat-head, and many more types.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Take note of the screwdriver handle length: Torx screws are used in automotive and motorcycle construction. One customer needed the Crescent CTD30V T-30 Torx screwdriver to replace headlight bulbs on his Audi car. He noticed that the length of the screwdriver was perfect for being inserted in between the car’s wiring to get at the Torx screws. Other people found that they needed a Torx for changing their car’s spark plugs.

• Magnetized tip: When working with small screws, it is very useful that the screwdriver is slightly magnetized. This allows you to insert or remove the screw, while it remains somewhat attached to the screwdriver.

• Take care not to strip the screws: People noticed that if they didn’t put the screwdriver into the screw at a perfect right angle, they would run the risk of stripping the screw and/or the screwdriver. So insert the screwdriver properly, to avoid any damage to the screwdriver.

• Sizes: With a Torx screwdriver, the screwdriver head must match the screw exactly--unlike flat-head or even Phillips screwdrivers, where one size screwdriver is good for a wide range of screws. The size of Torx Screwdrivers is indicated by a "T" followed by a number from 1-100. So you will see sets of screwdrivers, such as the SE 7542ST 6-Piece Professional Torx Screwdriver Set, with a range of sizes, such as T5, T7, T8, T9, and T10. The larger the number, the larger the diameter of the screwdriver head.

• Special for Mac users: If you have a Macbook Air or Macbook Pro, you’ll notice that you’ll need a Torx screwdriver for the screws. JBtek makes the Torx screwdriver (T6) that is the right size for taking off the battery and fan screws in these Mac models. You’ll also need it if you’ll have to replace the hard drive. iPhone users will also find a Torx screwdriver handy.

• Security Torx: There is also a Torx screwdriver known as Security Torx, which has a pin in the center of the six-pointed star. This prevents you from using a standard Torx screwdriver to take out this screw. But if you have a Security Torx screwdriver, you will be able to use it on regular Torx screws of the same size.

JBtek--makes technical solutions for Raspberry Pi hobbyists, electronics, automobiles and cellphones. JBtek specializes in R&D, production and sale of products for computers, telecom network equipments, and industrial apparatus. Their headquarters is in Surrey, British Columbia.

SE--makes various household tools and implements for crafts. Among their thousands of products, they sell drill bits, screwdriver sets, scissors, pliers, magnifying glasses and lenses, hole punchers, and much more.

GearWrench--  is a maker of hardware and power tools, located in Sparks, Maryland. They started with a patent on a five-degree ratchet wrench in 1996, but they expanded to a full line of tools for automotive and industrial technology as well. They make torque wrenches, ratchet wrenches, files, screwdrivers, and more.

Stanley— now known as "Stanley Black and Decker", is a hardware company that was founded in 1920, merging Frederick Trent Stanley's bolt manufacturing company, and Henry Stanley's rule and level company. Their headquarters is in New Britain, Connecticut. They make power tools, hand tools, home improvement products, and more.