Pozi vs Phillips vs Torx: Which Screw Head Should You Use?
, by My Store Admin, 7 min reading time
If your screwdriver keeps slipping, it's probably the wrong bit. Here's how to tell Pozi, Phillips and Torx apart and which one to use for your job.
If your screwdriver keeps jumping out of the screw, it’s probably not your fault. More often than not, it’s the wrong bit.
Pozi, Phillips and Torx are the three screw heads you’ll come across most in the UK. Two of them look almost identical, and using the wrong bit means slipping, chewed-up screw heads and worn-out bits. Here’s how to tell them apart, which bit to use, and which type is best for your job.
Why the Right Bit Matters
Every screw head is designed for a specific bit. When the two match, the bit sits firmly in the screw and turns it without slipping.
When they don’t match, you get cam-out: the bit rides up and out of the screw as you turn it. That damages the screw head, can mark your timber, and makes the screw hard to drive in or get back out.
The right bit gives you:
- Less slipping and cam-out
- Undamaged screw heads
- Bits that last longer
- Faster, neater work
Pozi (Pozidriv)
Pozi, short for Pozidriv, is the most common screw head in the UK. You’ll find it on most wood screws, general fixings and flat-pack furniture.
How to spot it: a cross, with four small lines stamped between the main slots.
Common sizes:
- PZ1: small screws and light jobs
- PZ2: the UK standard for general-purpose wood screws
- PZ3: larger, heavier screws
If you only own one bit, it should be a PZ2.
Phillips
Phillips screws look like Pozi, but without the four extra lines. In the UK you’ll mostly find them in appliances, electronics, machinery, vehicles and imported products.
How to spot it: a plain cross, with no extra lines.
Common sizes: PH1, PH2 and PH3, with PH2 the most common.
Phillips heads were originally designed to cam out when a screw was fully tightened, to stop it being over-driven. That’s handy on a production line, but frustrating when you’re putting in screws by hand.
PZ2 vs PH2: Why They’re Not the Same
This is the mix-up we see most often. Both bits have a cross-shaped tip, but they’re shaped differently:
- A PZ2 bit has extra ribs between its blades to match the lines on a Pozi screw.
- A PH2 bit has a plain, tapered cross.
Put a PH2 bit in a Pozi screw and it sits loose, slips and starts rounding out the head. It might work for a couple of screws, but over a whole job it won’t.
Quick check: look for the four small lines on the screw head, then check the letters printed on the bit. PZ goes with Pozi, and PH goes with Phillips.
Torx
Torx screws have a six-point star-shaped recess. Sizes are marked with T or TX, such as TX20, TX25 and TX30.
The star shape gives the bit far more grip than a cross, so it’s much less likely to slip, even with an impact driver at full power. That’s why Torx has become the go-to for decking, fencing and structural timber work.
Common sizes:
- TX15: small screws and light fixings
- TX20: general-purpose timber screws
- TX25: medium to larger wood screws
- TX30: heavier construction screws
The right size should sit fully in the screw with no rocking or rattling. If it moves, try the next size up.
Pozi vs Phillips vs Torx at a Glance
| Pozi | Phillips | Torx | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Looks like | Cross with four extra lines | Plain cross | Six-point star |
| Bit marking | PZ | PH | T / TX |
| Grip | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Risk of slipping | Low with the right bit | Higher | Very low |
| Best for | Wood screws, joinery, general DIY | Appliances, electronics, machinery | Decking, fencing, structural timber |
Which Should You Choose?
- General DIY, furniture and joinery: Pozi. It’s the UK standard, so bits and screws are easy to find. Browse our Pozi wood screws.
- Decking, fencing, structural timber or lots of screws with an impact driver: Torx. The extra grip makes a big difference over a long job. Browse our Torx wood screws and decking screws.
- Appliances, electronics and imported products: Phillips. Use it when the screw is already Phillips.
Using an Impact Driver? Use Impact-Rated Bits
Impact drivers put a lot of force through a bit, and standard bits can twist, wear or snap. Impact-rated bits are built to handle it, so they last longer and grip better.
If you’re driving a lot of screws with an impact driver, it’s worth using impact-rated bits.
Are Magnetic Bits Worth It?
Yes, especially when you’re working one-handed, overhead or in a tight space. A magnetic bit holds the screw on the tip, so you’re not trying to balance it while you line it up. Longer bits also help you reach into cabinets and recessed fixings.
Common Mistakes
- Using PH2 in Pozi screws. This is the most common cause of slipping.
- Using a Torx bit that’s too small. It will spin inside the recess and damage it.
- Pushing harder to stop slipping. If you need a lot of force to keep the bit in, it’s probably the wrong bit.
- Keeping a worn bit. Once the tip is rounded, it will start damaging every screw it touches. Replace it.
- Using standard bits in an impact driver. They won’t last.
The Right Bit, Every Time
We started Heifix partly because we were fed up with screws that slipped and bits that never seemed to match. So every box of Heifix screws comes with the matching bit inside: a PZ2 with our Pozi screws, and the correct Torx bit with our Torx screws. You can open the box and get started straight away.
If you need spares, our range includes PZ2 impact bits in long 150mm magnetic sets and a 34-piece magnetic screwdriver bit set covering Pozi, Phillips and Torx.
Shop Heifix screwdriver bits →
FAQs
Can I use a PH2 bit in a Pozi screw?
It might turn a few screws, but it won’t fit properly. It will slip and damage the screw head. Use a PZ2 bit for Pozi screws.
Can I use a PZ2 bit in a Phillips screw?
It’s not a good match either. The extra ribs on a PZ2 bit stop it sitting fully in a Phillips recess. Use a PH2.
Is Torx better than Pozi?
For heavy-duty jobs, yes. Torx grips better and is much less likely to slip. For everyday DIY, Pozi works perfectly well and is more common.
What bit do decking screws use?
Most modern decking screws use Torx, often TX20 or TX25, but always check the box. Every box of Heifix decking screws comes with the matching bit.
How do I know what size bit I need?
The right bit sits fully in the screw without rocking. For Pozi wood screws, it’s almost always a PZ2. For Torx, check the box or try sizes until you find one that fits snugly.
The Simple Version
- Cross with four extra lines: Pozi, so use a PZ bit
- Plain cross: Phillips, so use a PH bit
- Six-point star: Torx, so use a TX bit
Match the bit to the screw, replace bits once they’re worn, and use impact-rated bits with an impact driver.