Torx vs. Allen vs. ???
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,378
Likes: 1
From: Boise, Idaho
they are a pain sometimes, even with the right size bit. I've replaced a bunch of them with chrome allen head bolts (especially on the derby cover) from Ace Hardware. Makes the job a whole lot easier.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
additionally, if my memory serves me right, a TX head can bear higher torque load then an Allen.
the small derby cover screws will be just fine replaced to Allen heads, but the big pinch bolts on the trees should remain Torx.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 467
Likes: 1
From: East of Cincinnati
When I bought my luggage rack, backrest and new seat I got the allen wrenchs out. Then I had to go back in for a phillips screwdriver, then I had to go back into the house and get my torx bits. There really is no reason to have so many different types of fasteners for one small area like that. I was surprised I didn't find anything held together with wood screws.
Allens would of been sufficient imo.
Tim
Allens would of been sufficient imo.
Tim
Last edited by Poisond 08 Fatbob; Sep 14, 2008 at 08:46 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: wyoming
When I was younger a spent about 8 year making a living as a cage mechanic. In past experiences I've had to put torx bits on a 1/2'' impact gun to break them loose before. Never any problems doing that short of snapping a torx bit or two. On the flip side after taking a 1/2'' air wrench to an allen head bolt I've usually had to break out the fire wrench next. Some of this would depend on how shallow or deep the socket was on the allen head fastener.
Most of the time when I am working on something my wrenches are air powered. I prefer the torx simply because i've had better luck with them not stripping.
Most of the time when I am working on something my wrenches are air powered. I prefer the torx simply because i've had better luck with them not stripping.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 12
From: Greene County, MS
It would have been nice had they stuck with one or the other. I guess it's not that big a deal though. I just bought a set of both.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Yes, torx suck. When I was doing my front signal relocate, one of the 4 torx pinch bolts stripped out. Meaning the wrench had nothing to grab. I hardly put any muscle into and wham-o...it was toasted. I think as time goes on, I'll swap out for good quality allen bolts.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
Torx don't strip, if you use the wright bit. Especially a 27, vs. 25 or 30. I have seen a lot of guys that didn't realize their was a 27 bit and have all sorts of trouble.
I was a mechanic before and never had as much trouble with torx as I did with allens, many with allens stripping. A torx can handle a lot more torque versus an allen.
I was a mechanic before and never had as much trouble with torx as I did with allens, many with allens stripping. A torx can handle a lot more torque versus an allen.
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