Weird Security Screw!

[hgg]

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.

[capt bullshot]

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.

[hgg]

I hope its not one of them.. 
Is there an easy way to remove them if they are pins?

[nvmR]

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.

[hgg]

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 then
hammered it out.  I will use m3 bolts and nuts instead of them.



Does a compatible bit actually exists for them    

[nvmR]

Looks like some monstrosity that you 3d print a head for, to avoid buying for single use.

[hgg]

Monstrosity, exactly...
Its not even worth it for such a low quality power strip.

[BradC]

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.

[hgg]

I don't have any left hand drill bits.

Anyway, I've opened it now but its interesting to know if anyone has seen this
type of screw and the corresponding bits

[exmadscientist]

I believe they're Tri-Groove (aka T-Groove) screws, which are common enough that their bits seem readily available.

[hgg]

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...

[hgg]

Not sure that their bits are readily available though and they sell for crazy prices.

[Mechatrommer]

I drilled a hole on the opposite side of the screw until I reached its head and then
hammered it out.  I will use m3 bolts and nuts instead of them.

wise 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.

[Black Phoenix]

Just slot a Allen key:





From here - https://blog.ardill.com/2021/03/how-to-flash-tasmota-onto-arlec-grid.html?m=1

[hgg]

@Mechatrommer They are made to be hatted... :-)

@Black Phoenix  Not a bad idea, I will try it.  Thanks.