How common are security fasteners ?

[toolaholic]

Hi all, I’ve done tons of work on my cars/trucks. Intake manifolds, transmission fluid, oil changes, spark plugs, schocks and struts , bushings on my FRS for manual to shift better etc. I haven’t run into them. However I like to be prepared . I bought these on amazon warehouse deals for $25 and $22. Wiha 77789 Ultra Driver Security Bit Holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FNHG25Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20 GEARWRENCH 13 Pc. 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" Drive Tamper Proof Torx Bit Socket Set - 80725 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NI931Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20 . I bought this Klein ($15) on warehouse deals but my friend says the bits break easy so I canceled it. Klein Tools 32525 Magnetic Bit Set, Tamperproof, TORX, Hex, Spanner, TORQ, Triwing Screwdriver Bits, 32-Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015S4JRG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[toolaholic]

Won’t be delivered til may 11.

 

[matt_i]

They were on the MAF (mass airflow sensor) on my L67 Grand Prix GTP.

I just used a dremel tool to grind down the center pin and use regular torx bits after that when I had to replace the MAF sensor.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Security fasteners like tamper torx are not that common, but they do show up in places like roof rack mounts.

 

[toolaholic]

They were on the MAF (mass airflow sensor) on my L67 Grand Prix GTP.

I just used a dremel tool to grind down the center pin and use regular torx bits after that when I had to replace the MAF sensor.

I like that! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Professional Tool User]

I like that! Thanks for sharing!

Unless that screw happened to be seized or clearance is an issue, hooking a large vice grip onto it and removing it is a lot faster. The screw itself can always be replaced.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Wait until you try to take some home appliances apart - i kid you not, they must have some troll in a back room devising new "anti-tamper" fastener designs to frustrate the likes of we mere mortals. Have a coffeemaker that has this 3 lobed fastener with curved slots... Maybe it's so they can assemble them easier/faster, but what a PITA to remove.

 

[danielbuck]

someone used a few security torx screws on my 33 chevy to hold the roof on

I managed to get them out. one I used vise grips, the other I had to cut a slot into and used a flat blade screwdriver. fortunately they were domed, and not flush with the body.

 

[brollona]

Yesterday I had to fix espresso machine and I stumbled on torx with security pin. I don't have these tools so at first I thought I won't be able to open it. But since they are screwed into plastic, I tried with small screwdriver and managed to unscrew them all without problem. I think that I'll order set of these, or long bits or screwdrivers. They are not expensive and you never know when you will need them.

 

[danielbuck]

if you have a set of torx bits, look in the set, chances are there may be a few security bits in there. I later looked at one of my sets, and a few of them had holes drilled in them already.

 

[alfazer]

I see them in a lot of electrical products.
Also on public toilet stalls. I guess people sit on the throne with a multitool and loosen the fasteners on the panels.

 

[Robinson1]

Run across them doing commercial work. Most common seems to be T25 security torx.

Residential I practically never see them.

You can buy a pretty good assortment of generic security bits at Ace Hardware for $16 comes in a red case. That's a good place to start. Replace the ones you find you use alot with better as they wear out. I've been using the same set for 5 or 6 years. Think I've replaced about 3 bits so far.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Very common on MAF sensors as mentioned. Also in public bathrooms or anywhere fasteners must be exposed to the public. As security torx has become more common, they're switching it up. VW I know is using 5 point security "torx" now.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I hardly come across them in the automotive stuff I do, but they are common on random appliances and electronics. It was actually one of the first things I noticed on my new washer/dryer, granted they are "commercial" units.

 

[jimmyin3D]

They aren’t super common but they are around.

In automotive, I saw a lot of security Torx on Japanese car SRS/airbag systems. The mortorq bits are used on Chrysler’s and jeeps.

For household appliances, phones, and Nintendo’s the tri-wing and pentalobes are used.

There’s a set that HF sells it’s like a 100pc $10 set that should cover you for the infrequency these bits are needed. I would get quality security Torx though from Vim. They are affordable and strong.




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[RTM]

Like others, I see them mostly on kitchen appliances. Stupid breadmaker had two on opposite feet just to be a pain. Occasionally on a tool being repaired for someone else.

 

[samss]

Lots of security fasteners on kitchen equipment in correctional facilities.

 

[Alpine4x4]

My 98 ram has security torx on some of the steering column components like the blinker switch.

 

[ThePostman]

If you do work on Euro cars, more Audi/Porsche/vw umbrella, you will see them. That drain plug on said group's trans has a giant torx security plug, maybe t60, not sure I have the socket, 1/2" drive. I don't have Opel or Renault experience, just what I see here in the states. That hf set will even give you the bit to rip out public bathroom stall walls. I've owned that hf set for ten years now, maybe more, and use them, a lot. But for the Euro cars, you'll want a stronger set, don't use bits when a socket is called for.

I hate Euro cars.

 

[Indexmill]

I see them in a lot of electrical products.
Also on public toilet stalls. I guess people sit on the throne with a multitool and loosen the fasteners on the panels.

These are THE two places...

 

[Gila Monster]

Are security fasteners really an attempt for the manufacturer to "not" have people access them or is it more about the assembly line process?

It just seems odd to me that anyone thinks that offers any sort of "security".

 

[The Cobbler]

......
It just seems odd to me that anyone thinks that offers any sort of "security".

It's like a lock, or padlock... if someone wants it bad enough, and they have enough time ,enough experience, they'll get it .

 

[ItsNemo]

Are security fasteners really an attempt for the manufacturer to "not" have people access them or is it more about the assembly line process?

It just seems odd to me that anyone thinks that offers any sort of "security".

Slows down the average person...

For the price of a pretty complete bit set, including more than just the typical torx/allen ones you see.

 

[strength_and_power]

My favorite security fastener was on jail cell doors at the city jail. 5/16” countersunk bolt with a smaller hex bolt that you’d tighten until the head twisted off leaving nothing to grab onto. Hammer and a punch to drive them backwards or cut a slot with a dremel and use a flathead.
I’m guessing the security fasteners on public restrooms, park benches etc is to keep the scrappers and drug addicts from stripping the place.


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[bwringer]

On cars and motorcycles, they're used in emissions sensitive systems as a way to keep people from monkeying with things. Not much of a deterrent, obviously, but I suppose it's just enough of a legal fig leaf to keep the EPA happy.


On one of my motorcycles (Suzuki V-Strom 1000), there's an extremely sensitive adjustment on a throttle position sensor that uses T20 security fasteners. You have to loosen these mounting screws a little then rotate the TPS to calibrate it.

And when (not if, WHEN) the furshlugginer TPS fails, you have to disassemble quite a bit of the bike to get to the screws and replace the unit. Then you're supposed to go through all sorts of elaborate machinations to be able to run the bike without the tank and airbox in order to calibrate the sensor.

You're expected to operate a driver without dropping the security bit making adjustments literally the width of a human hair or finer down in the bowels of a running engine with your hand hard up against a boiling-hot radiator hose (the engine has to be fully warmed up, of course) while keeping a close eye on a little line on the instrument panel...

If you replace these stupid things with socket head M5 screws, you can reach them with a long 4mm ball-end driver from the side while the bike is fully assembled. The adjustment goes from "9.9 out of 10 impossible" to "a giant nearly endless pain in the ***."