Precision Screwdriver Bit Types Explained: Pentalobe, Tri-Wing, Torx, Phillips & More
Modern gadgets are held together by a surprising variety of tiny screws, some of them chosen specifically to keep you out. Here’s a quick guide to the precision bits you’ll actually meet, and where.
The common types
Pentalobe
Shape: five rounded lobes, like a flower. Where: Apple iPhones, MacBooks, and Apple Watch, often on the outside screws. Tip: sizes are small and specific (P2 is common on iPhones). Use the exact size.
Tri-point (Y-type)
Shape: three slots in a Y. Where: Apple device internals and some Nintendo hardware. Tip: easy to confuse with Tri-Wing. Look closely.
Tri-Wing
Shape: three offset triangular wings. Where: older Nintendo hardware, some power tools and appliances.
Torx and security Torx
Shape: a six-point star. Security Torx has a pin in the center. Where: laptops, hard drives, game consoles, appliances. Small sizes like T5 and T6 are common in laptops and drives. Tip: for security Torx, you need a bit with a hole in the tip.
Phillips and JIS
Shape: the familiar cross. JIS looks almost identical. Where: nearly everything. Phillips 000, 00, and 0 are common in electronics, and JIS appears on a lot of Japanese-made gear and cameras. Tip: if a “Phillips” screw keeps camming out, try a JIS bit.
Flat (slotted)
Where: eyeglasses, watches, jewelry, older electronics. Tip: choose the widest blade that still fits the slot, for better contact.
Hex
Where: RC cars, drones, bikes, and some small electronics and furniture.
Quick reference
| Device | Common bits |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Pentalobe (outside), tri-point and Phillips (inside) |
| MacBook | Pentalobe, Torx |
| Windows laptops | Phillips 0/00, small Torx |
| Hard drives and SSD enclosures | Torx T5–T8 |
| Older Nintendo consoles and controllers | Tri-Wing, Phillips |
| Game consoles (various) | Torx, security Torx, Phillips |
| Eyeglasses | Small flat, Phillips 000 |
| RC cars and drones | Hex, Phillips |
Always check a repair guide for your specific model. Manufacturers change screws between generations.
Use them with a real handle
Most precision kits put these tips on 4mm bits with a thin handle. Nested Hex lets those same bits fit your standard magnetic screwdriver, for better grip and control on tight or delicate screws. More on that in how to use precision bits in a magnetic screwdriver.
Questions
What screwdriver opens an iPhone?
The outer screws next to the charging port on most iPhones are Pentalobe. Inside you'll usually find tri-point and small Phillips screws. Check a repair guide for your exact model before you start.
What's the difference between Phillips and JIS?
JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screws look like Phillips but are designed for a slightly different bit. A JIS bit fits JIS screws better and is less likely to cam out, and it also works in many Phillips screws.
What is security Torx?
Security Torx (Torx TR or tamper-resistant) has a pin in the center of the screw head. You need a bit with a matching hole in the tip.