A surgical torque-transferring instrument includes a preferably universal handpiece to which a handpiece shaft having an internal torsion rod or an internal tool shaft can be connected. The torsion rod can be connected to a torque transmission train or drive within the handpiece via a plug-type coupling which includes a male and female coupling piece which can be axially plugged into each other. The cross-sectional shape of the two coupling pieces approximately corresponds to a four-leaved cloverleaf.