Security screwdriver set - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2016, 04:40:16 pm
content: Can you recommend me a cheap security screwdriver set from eBay/Aliexpress?I want it to have a handle and bits that attach to it. And I want it to have those three-star bits that Nokia phone chargers use.

author: JacobPilsen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2016, 09:05:54 pm
content: VTBT 11http://www.ebay.com/itm/401187995022

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2016, 11:19:12 pm
content: Maybe it's just my bad luck, but whenever I encounter security fasteners they are always recessed and there is no way the shaft diameter of these changeable screwdriver bits will fit

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 28, 2016, 11:58:04 pm
content: Quote from: Macbeth on October 28, 2016, 11:19:12 pmNo, it's not just you.The shaft diameter of the bits isn't usually the problem - it's their short length and the diameter of the sleeve into which they slip that's the pain.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2016, 11:59:31 pm
content: @MacbethI know that problem well !I have been looking for thin shaft long shank security screwdriver sets but not found much available at the moment. There are individual screwdrivers for certain security screws sold and I have bought what I most commonly need. It would be nice to have a neat kit though.Fraser

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 12:10:25 am
content: Might be worth looking at some additions to the toolkit....http://www.ebay.com/itm/222168845670http://www.ebay.com/itm/261659113789Looks like most of the ones in the second set aren't going to be useful in some situations - only the tip is the right size. The shank will be too big to get down the hole of a lot of gear.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 01:10:17 am
content: @Brumby,I bought the set pictures in the blue case and they are the best that I could find to date. However even the slightly thinner shaft of these long bits is still too big for some equipment that used deeply recessed small head security screws. I often end up having to custom make a tool for the job.The set in the blue case is pretty good value for money though and definitely better than teh stubby bit sets. I paid £9 delivered in the UK for my set.Fraser

author: Hypernova
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 01:56:51 am
content: Mike Harrison figured out an interesting solution to the length problem: File a slot at the back of the bit, insert the entire bit into the hole and drive with another flat head.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 03:00:17 am
content: Quote from: Fraser on October 29, 2016, 01:10:17 amI've done that before, too.Good price, though. I can't see any on eBay for that ... then there's shipping.

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 06:47:30 am
content: But I don't want to buy just bits, I want it to have a screwdriver handle also (on which bits attach to).

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 09:39:12 am
content: The fitting is pretty standard. You can get practically any screwdriver and bits set - and use the extra bits with the handle.

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 01:11:40 pm
content: Yes, but I don't have any handle. -.-

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 04:48:55 pm
content: For the smaller recesses for Torx, you could take a look at:Wiha 28087(System 4, long blades)Wiha 26985(Drive-Loc System 4; blades lock in place so they can't slide back up into the handle)Not cheap, but they do work really well. I use the larger System 6 Drive-Loc for everything else security bit related, as the profiles aren't available in System 4 that I've ever seen. Wera is sure to have something compatible as well, if you prefer their grip design. And there's sure to be some other equivalents, possibly from Asian sources that aren't so expensive; Pro'sKit perhaps...

author: NottheDan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 05:07:13 pm
content: Quote from: Srbel on October 29, 2016, 01:11:40 pmSo why don't you buy one? You don't need to buy the handle and the bits in the same set. It is quite possible to buy them separately. The bit sizes are standardised.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 05:36:10 pm
content: Maybe your budget is really tight and you can't afford a handle and the bits. Use a wrench. The hex shape of the bits makes it work out fine. Oh, you don't have a wrench either? Maybe it just time to spend some time dreaming and saving money.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2016, 06:21:02 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on October 29, 2016, 01:10:17 amhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/222168845670Does anyone know a cheaper source for this set in the US?

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 30, 2016, 03:41:01 am
content: That set is over $32 AUD. It has free international shipping, but still not quite the price level for the 'just in case' buy it would be for me.But now that I know this set is around, I'll keep an eye out for an opportunity purchase.

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2016, 07:51:16 am
content: I forgot to say. I have Torx bits. I don't consider Torx to be a security screw. Not the regular one, at least. The one with the pin in the middle, yes. I would need that ones. But I need screwdriver set for those "non-standard" screws (Torx is standard, if you ask me).

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2016, 10:44:51 am
content: I bought that security bit set for £9 in the UK. They come in different colour boxes depending upon supplier but are all the same bits inside.Here is minehttp://www.ebay.com/itm/191941239684?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITNot bad for £9 and mine was UK stock so fast delivery. Do not overpay for these sets.Just search eBay for "security bit set long"These fit into drill/drivers for fast diassembly but a driver with torque settings is needed for assembly.Fraser

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2016, 05:35:53 pm
content: Well, I have bought this:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/8-In-1-Pen-Style-Portable-Aluminium-Alloy-Precision-Screwdriver-Set-Coil-jig-master-Screwdriver-Repair/32723498261.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.5Kcgerand this:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33PCS-Security-Tamper-Proof-Bit-Set-Torx-Hex-Star-Spanner-Set-Electrical-Screwdriver-Rod-Holder-Sleeve/32738612362.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.5KcgerHopefully, I can use the bits with this handle.

author: NottheDan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2016, 05:53:26 pm
content: Quote from: Srbel on November 02, 2016, 05:35:53 pmI find it rather unlikely that you will be able to use standard 1/4" bits in a pen-size precision handle.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2016, 08:43:51 pm
content: @Srbel,The screwdriver handle you have shown is for the very small bits and will not take the 1/4" bits shown in the second image of bits in a rubber storage holder. The post above this one shows the two sizes of handle and bits.Fraser

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2016, 09:45:18 pm
content: Quote from: Fraser on October 30, 2016, 10:44:51 am@Fraser,I see the description says "Material: steel". Is there anything on the packaging or bits to indicate what sort of steel?On the one hand CRV would be nice, on the other hand soft steel would be easier to turn down in the lathe.ChrisEdit: Not sure what "Features: firm" means.

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2016, 09:51:21 pm
content: IIRC the bits have CR-V stamped into them. I would need to check. There are many sellers of this kit so it would be worth checking other sellers listings for a better description.Fraser

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2016, 09:55:27 pm
content: Thanks, good enough. Some listings say CRV, some don't but sure they must be all the same - they look it anyway.Chris

author: Fraser
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2016, 10:08:01 pm
content: Confirmed. They are marked CR-V. I attach pictures.The bits appear well formed, unlike some cheap sets you see.Fraser

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2016, 10:21:03 pm
content: Even better, thanks. Order placed.The only problem is I needed them last week to fix my wife's steam generator iron. Luckily a long flatblade fitted the deeply recessed pinned torx head perfectly (which it wouldn't have done had it been a standard torx)

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 08:06:21 am
content: Yeah, I missed that. I will buy another handle. But I still wanted to buy this one, that Big Clive uses.Can you recomend me a good cheap handle, that will use those bits I have ordered?All I have managed to find is this:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/31-Pcs-Screwdriver-Set-Box-New-Home-Tool-PC-Phone-Pad-Computer-Electron-Repair-Fix-Hand/32725409948.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.142.RmN4oX&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10091_10090_10088_10089,searchweb201603_1&btsid=19d39cbc-8bd4-465e-8e31-6c0c6bc3171eWill it work?

author: NottheDan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 11:22:41 am
content: All you managed to find? How far behind the times is Serbia? Here they are _everywhere_. Every hardware and DIY store, every supermarket offering tools. Screwdriver with interchangeable bits? In 99% of cases they are 1/4". Heck, if I'm really strapped for it I pick one up from the pound shop.

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 12:57:20 pm
content: If you don't want to help, at least don't spam...

author: BBBbbb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 02:35:01 pm
content: @SrbelHonestly man you should put out for something decent, you do not want to play around with small screws (you mentioned phones) and questionable bits. If those screws get worn out it might easily cost you a lot more.I like seeing my hand tools in person before buying, and that is what I would recommend to anyone. I don't know where exactly you are, but there are some decent places for these tools.Try looking around for some iFIXIT sets or some brand you recognize, do not need to go pro quality like WIHA (PicoFinish - my personal favorite)Quote from: NottheDan on November 03, 2016, 11:22:41 amHey I take that personally! and plus, he's been searching alibay.I am yet to see a 1/4" bits good for small electronics, usually they are 4mm bits.

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 04:13:31 pm
content: I don't need it for phones. I just wanted to open a Nokia adapter for a phone, that uses 3-point star screws.I don't want to pay more then 2-3 dollars or so. I am not looking for anything expensive and good quality, just something that work.I have heard that iFixit tools are rubbish and fall apart after a few uses.Can you give me a link to a handle that would work for the bits I have ordered? I have searched for 1/4 inch and 6,25mm ones on Aliexpress, and found nothing. None of the screwdriver sets and bits I have found actually state the diameter.

author: NottheDan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2016, 07:06:10 pm
content: Quote from: BBBbbb on November 03, 2016, 02:35:01 pmBut that's the thing, he seems like he has never encountered a 1/4" bit before, like he has no clue what they are or what they look like. And in my experience they are ubiquitous, if you deal with tools in any way you cannot avoid encountering them, even if you never used them yourself you still know roughly what their sizes are (even if only in relation to your own fingers).That's also why his constant question of "Where can I find a cheap handle?" seems so weird to me.Look at the attached photo, it is from my local independent pound shop, everything for a pound, as cheap and nasty as you can get. Even there they have three different variants of handle available.These things have been everywhere ever since cordless drills took off and how long ago was that? Twenty years?

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2016, 09:25:10 am
content: All I managed to find was this:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/High-Quality-Ratchet-Wrench-Screwdriver-Handle-Ratchet-Wrench-handle-Screw-Driver-6-35mm-C-RT/32735719830.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.109.OjCR8Z&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10091_10090_10088_10089,searchweb201603_1&btsid=d573b42b-d880-4125-aa16-4c0679d9e982But it is a peace of shit ratchet type...

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2016, 09:33:31 am
content: Are there at least adapters, that I can use with my handle (unknown "mini" size) and those 1/4 inch bits? Something like this:http://img.photo138.com/FG5/ZK223100-ALL-1-7.jpg

author: NottheDan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2016, 10:41:49 am
content: https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32496530230.html#autostayhttps://m.aliexpress.com/item/32751818408.html#autostayhttps://m.aliexpress.com/item/32704700064.html#autostayAs for putting 1/4" bits onto a 4mm precision handle, don't hold your breath. I doubt the 4mm shafts have enough strength to make it feasible and the market saturation for 1/4" drivers doesn't really make it a feasible proposal. Although adapters the other way around are readily available.

author: BBBbbb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2016, 01:10:47 pm
content: As for 1/4" handle, take your pick:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Practical-Hand-Tools-Ratchet-Socket-Wrench-Mini-1-4-Approved-The-Wind-Lever-Screwdriver-Quarter-Pole/32719872942.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.228.fGHOpT&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_10091_10090_10088_10089,searchweb201603_1&btsid=388e74a7-f5b6-4be9-bb88-b7c2f545c1c5http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dynamite-DYNT1228-1-4-Drive-Screw-Driver-Screwdriver-Ratcheting-T-Handle-/291920628836?hash=item43f7d34c64:g:eesAAOSwmfhX5ZH9http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ratchet-Wrench-Screwdriver-Handle-Ratchet-Wrench-handle-Screw-Driver-6-35mm-New-/351837453249?hash=item51eb257bc1:g:67UAAOSwi0RX1oB5http://www.ebay.com/itm/13-PIECE-T-HANDLE-SCREWDRIVER-BIT-AND-SOCKET-SET-ASSORTED-SCREW-DRIVER-TOOL-KIT-/171884924870?hash=item280523cfc6:g:VU8AAOSwInxXMbshBut NottheDan is right, these 1/4" bits and drivers are quite common at your local hardware shop, and if you're looking for a cheap buy I'm sure you can find it locally w/o waiting 3 weeks for the shipment to arrive (something like a Woby House if you have one near you).As for iFixit, yup they don't have a rep for being quality tools, it is just some rebranded set from China, but at least you know it is not total crap, which you might get when ordering unknown/unbranded tools.I have this set:https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/64-Bit-Driver-Kit/IF145-299The handle is quite good, it serves me well. Honestly I do not use it that much, bought it just for the more exotic bits in the set, but no major complaints.Also, no way the 4mm handle you ordered could drive 1/4" bits (with the adapter). I have a handle like that one (got it free with my SSD for installation) and it is too week for any serious screw.Quote from: NottheDan on November 03, 2016, 07:06:10 pmYou're right about this, I keep stumbling upon the 1/4" bits around the house, end I haven't used them since my drill died on me 5yrs ago. It seems they are like cockroaches.

author: NottheDan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2016, 01:53:38 pm
content: http://www.alati.co.rs/rucni_alat/1_4

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2016, 06:58:40 pm
content: Quote from: NottheDan on November 04, 2016, 01:53:38 pmSmart-ass, do you even have a slightest idea on how much money is 10.000 Serbian Dinars???

author: Srbel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 04, 2016, 07:02:00 pm
content: @BBBbbbThey are all ratchet ones. I don't want that. They have plastic mechanism that brakes instantly. They are rubbish. I just want a regular handle.I have been to "Uradi sam", and they have what I want, but it is overpriced at about 10 euros...

author: BBBbbb
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 04, 2016, 08:30:37 pm
content: "Uradi Sam" is neither very cheap nor well equipt.I told you about Woby since you are aiming at low prices, so something like this:http://www.wobyhaus.co.rs/proizvod_detaljno.aspx?item=0585192http://www.wobyhaus.co.rs/proizvod_detaljno.aspx?item=0585218http://www.wobyhaus.co.rs/proizvod_detaljno.aspx?item=0585198http://www.wobyhaus.co.rs/proizvod_detaljno.aspx?item=0585245http://www.wobyhaus.co.rs/proizvod_detaljno.aspx?item=0585215

author: JacobPilsen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 05, 2016, 12:07:08 pm
content: Quote from: Srbel on November 04, 2016, 06:58:40 pmGoogle says about 91 USD.