Square Drive vs Torx Drive

Here is a little history about both Square Drive and Torx Drive.

Square Drive was initially patented in 1875 by Allan Cumings. It was not widely produced because of the difficulty and expense of mass production. PL Robertson received a US Patent during the Industrial Revolution and could mass produce the square recess and drivers.

Torx is a trademark registered to Cancar Textron and was developed for the Automotive industry in 1967. The 6-rounded internal lobe or star drive that is used in screws has made its way into the woodworking community.

There are 26 different sizes of Torx screw-bits, while Square Drive has only four. These four bits from Mcfeelys are color-coded, they fit across various brand names, and have one common size. Torx/star bits are more challenging to identify, which is why most suppliers include a torx/star bit in every box of screws. The Screw to Bit system is a matched system, which means that having the right bit is crucial. A shop stocked with disposable bits designed to last for only one box of screws may not be suitable for high-powered drills.

Torx®, TorxPlus®, Torx® Tamper, Torx® Align, Spax T-Star®, Spax T-Star Plus®, Fastenmaster TTAP®, and Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive®, GRK Star Drive, are all names for the same six-lobed drive system. Some manufacturers have added a small dimple recess in the bottom to keep the bit straight.

There are 4 sizes of Square Drive and all are designed to fit like a glove.

Torx screws are used (larger outdoor applications)

Why

• You can drive them at an angle.
• There are no Phillips or Square Drive available.
• The package comes with a bit in most cases. You do not need to search for a bit on the Road.
• It is better than Phillips.
• Aligning the bit with the fastener is a bit easier.
• Many varieties are available from quality brands.
• Framing and construction do not need to drive every screw straight.

Square drive is for (inside the shop)

• McFeelys Combo & Square Drive will stick to the bit, straight, with no magnetic requirements.
• They drive straight.
• They make it easy in a blind hole like a pocket Hole or Furniture when there is not extra space.
• One-hand screw driving for applications like when you are on a ladder.
• #8 & #10 screws fit 90% of the applications, one bit for your shop. Efficiency

Using torx inside the shop means more cam out inside your shop.

Why

• The bit you get with a pack of Torx screws is designed to work for just that package.
• So - You will have extra bits that are worn out and will get used at the wrong time.
• There are 3-4 sizes of bits vs one bit for Square drive in the typical sizes
• So - the wrong bit will get used more often
• Square drive bits can be ground back to square
• SO - If your bits are old, you can fix it
• Torx will cam out more often than Square Drive when working inside your shop

An unsolicited quote from a customer 02-07-2025

Recently I made the switch from primarily using Torx screws to McFeelys square drive screws. I was getting tired of continually having to switch out driver bits when using a different length screw.. having to go between everything from a T10 to T30 and not always visually being able to tell what the correct driver was to use. Now using the McFeelys screws I almost always use a SQ2 driver bit (but even when it’s not an SQ2, it will be an SQ1). Additionally the McFeelys screws are sharp, grab immediately and more pleasant to use.
Bill R.