Torx - why?

[Mouse]

As I happily dismantled my 1200 into its component parts last night I was wondering - why are BMW so keen on Torx fasteners? So far I've found three Allen type bolts on the entire bike (fuel tank and sump plug if you must know), everything else is a torx head bolt. And I don't think there are any conventional (6 sided head) bolts.

I can't see that the torx type are superior, the tools seem more eager to slip out of the head of the bolt than with the Allen type, so why are BMW so keen on them?

 

[Deleted account W]

They are easier to put in mechanically at the time of production.

Bugger us lot that have to deal with them later.

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

http://www.textronfasteningsystems.com/products/torxplus/

 

[Deleted account W]

http://www.textronfasteningsystems.com/products/torxplus/

Which are on the bike Torx or Torx+ ?

 

[MikeO]

I seem to remember Ricardo answering this one over on ADVRider - something about there being a larger surface area for the torque to be applied over, compared with the equivalent size of allen bolt...

Mike

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

Torx II - in case you thought zero drive angle was something you took Viagra for.......

 

[Spanish Bob]

buy one of Steptoes ss kits - you can get rid of all yer torx bolts then

 

[Clive]

And I don't think there are any conventional (6 sided head) bolts.

Have a look under the sump bash plate

 

[ELIMINATOR]

Might be easier to put in during manufacture, also to consider is that they are probably cheaper to make.

 

[Fanum]

The biggest problem with Torx bolts is the end user trying the wrong size of tool to undo them, or just sticking a flat blade screwdriver across inside and twisting, thus rounding off all the indentations.

Otherwise, they work really well I find....most modern commercial laundry kit and dishwashers are torx fittings.


Hmmm.........doesn't really help the poor sods with no toolkits on their built-to-a- budget bikes does it?

 

[boundless]

- something about there being a larger surface area for the torque to be applied over, compared with the equivalent size of allen bolt...

Mike

Certainly works. This Torx driver took 50Nm before it failed. The driver failed, that is, but the driver/bolt interface remains intact and the bolt itself lives to fight another day.

NB: Drivers cost more than bolts and Torx get to sell more drivers. Progress.

 

[Frank Warner]

Hmmm.........doesn't really help the poor sods with no toolkits on their built-to-a- budget bikes does it?

But they don't know how to fix them in the first place. They prove that in court didn't they?