Weird Security Screw! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: hgg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 08:00:01 am
content: Hi,I am trying to open a power strip to replace the cable and it has some of the weirdest security screws I've seen.No bit from my collection is compatible.Have you seen anything like that?Thanks.

author: capt bullshot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 08:08:07 am
content: Not exactly this one, but I've seen similar "screw heads" that weren't screws at all. Just a pin with some thread-alike (but not a real thread) shapes pushed into the plastic, and not intended to be opened.

author: hgg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 08:14:48 am
content: I hope its not one of them..Is there an easy way to remove them if they are pins?

author: nvmR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 08:23:25 am
content: I would either drill a larger hole around them to be able to grab them with a pair of needle nose pliers, or take a thin drill bit around the diameter of the pin/screw, and drill through them.After I'm done, replace with a slightly thicker screw.

author: hgg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 08:40:02 am
content: They are actually screws! Never seen ones like that before.The must be the securitest security screws around... :-)I drilled a hole on the opposite side of the screw until I reached its head and thenhammered it out. I will use m3 bolts and nuts instead of them.Does a compatible bit actually exists for them

author: nvmR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 08:49:20 am
content: Looks like some monstrosity that you 3d print a head for, to avoid buying for single use.

author: hgg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 08:57:26 am
content: Monstrosity, exactly...Its not even worth it for such a low quality power strip.

author: BradC
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 09:08:43 am
content: A left hand drill bit and/or easy out makes short work of those. The hard way is to grind a flat blade screwdriver to fit in 2 of the slots and wind it out carefully.

author: hgg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 09:18:17 am
content: I don't have any left hand drill bits.Anyway, I've opened it now but its interesting to know if anyone has seen thistype of screw and the corresponding bits

author: exmadscientist
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 09:22:21 am
content: I believe they're Tri-Groove (aka T-Groove) screws, which are common enough that their bits seem readily available.

author: hgg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 09:28:11 am
content: I think you are right! Thanks.https://www.losspreventionfasteners.com/store/products/t-groove-tamper-proof-bolts/I have to find a socket for these, just in case...

author: hgg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 09:35:42 am
content: Not sure that their bits are readily available though and they sell for crazy prices.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 09:46:26 am
content: Quote from: hgg on October 17, 2022, 08:40:02 amwise move. you can grind a slot on the head so you can reuse it with flat head screwdriver. if you cant find compatible one. ymmv. i encountered such screws in a printer's psu iirc and used hammer to destroy everything to get to the pcb. i really hate those screws.

author: Black Phoenix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 10:07:23 am
content: Just slot a Allen key:From here -https://blog.ardill.com/2021/03/how-to-flash-tasmota-onto-arlec-grid.html?m=1

author: hgg
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2022, 10:24:38 am
content: @Mechatrommer They are made to be hatted... :-)@Black Phoenix Not a bad idea, I will try it. Thanks.