Removing security screws

[SteveCh]

I have some deadbolts installed in my home that have those screws that one can tighten but not loosen. These screws are tightened with a flat-blade screwdriver but if you want to loosen, you cannot because of the way the screw is cast, the blade will just slip off. What kind of tool do I need to remove these screws?? If photos are needed, I'll get some next week, I am out of town and not at home right now.

Thanks.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Dremel some new flats / slots.

Replace with a reversible security head screw (if you still need security screws in the application).

 

[BlksnshN]

 

[Kracin]

some of those vampliers/engineer plier that allow you to grip and turn a dome head screw, or do as the last person said and cut a new slot for a screwdriver.

 

[pault28]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-1-Way-Screw-Remover-Installer-Set-3-Piece-AR2016/202250735

 

[SpaleHR]

http://www.proxxon.com/en/industrial/23107.php?list!

I bought these set, they are a bit pricey ( cca. 60 € ) but quality is top notch

 

[Kracin]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-1-Way-Screw-Remover-Installer-Set-3-Piece-AR2016/202250735

those might not do the trick. the screws hes talking about are like a regular screw, except they have most of the material on top removed and only two wings left, no material for those to grab in reverse, and if you try to drill a hole large enough for those to use, you may twist the head off the screw.

 

[jeffmoss26]

These are what you need:
http://www.mutualscrew.com/UN-DO-IT...ndoit-one-way-screw-driver-removal-48187.html

I have a set of all 3 sizes, bought on ebay. We had a couple sound racks at school that used those screws. Great to prevent tampering but a real ***** when a piece of equipment broke and had to be removed. Dremel and chisel to get them out.

 

[cburnscrx]

IF you can get a dremel on them without F'ing up the deadbolt, then that's absolutely the way to go. Much easier than most anything else.

IF NOT, I've had success drilling the heads off, removing the item (deadbolt, rotor, ect)and then using some Vise Grips to remove the rest of screw/bolt.

 

[shooting4life]

You can always weld/epoxy a nut on the screw.

 

[pault28]

those might not do the trick. the screws hes talking about are like a regular screw, except they have most of the material on top removed and only two wings left, no material for those to grab in reverse, and if you try to drill a hole large enough for those to use, you may twist the head off the screw.

I just looked at the picture on the packaging and thought that those type of screws were what those removers were for. I have never dealt with them firsthand so I cannot speak from experience. I've seen them, but never had to remove them.

 

[fitz11]

Cut new slots with a Dremel or if your lucky the heads will be high enough to clamp with a vise grips.

 

[SteveCh]

Thanks for the hints. I'll work out something. The heads are flush. I'll find a way, just didn't know whether there was some special tool for removing them. Worst case, I can always destroy the lock even if it takes my 7" grinder. But I will work on it... Thanks again for the advice....

 

[KnurledNut]

They do make a screwdriver for them. They have two hardened pins on the end that dig into the "ramps". You could take a regular screwdriver and cut a center slot and sharpen the points to accomplish the same thing.

 

[COSMOS]

Had to remove a few in my time, used to work for in the Insurance Restoration Industry, wind, water, fire, vandalism, theft etc. For about 4years the majority of my work was front door break-in repair. Got damn good at it and rarely had a call back.

The older Kwik-Set (Schlage had a different style) double keyed deadbolts had two sets of screws, the one-way type described in the post and the standard Phillips. I for the life me could not understand why anyone would install the one-way screws let alone a double key bolt. 99% percent of the repairs I did was done with a size 12 kick to enter and have never seen one taken apart from the inside to get out.

I used a nail set that I had filed down and tapped in the direction of removal to loosen, worked most of the time. They also make it a pain when you need to loosen the deadbolt for adjustment when ever I received a call back..

 

[WVBrady]

Here is a technique from Eric The Car Guy for removing stuck screws, but it should also work with one-way screws. He uses an air hammer and a sharpened bit.

 

[The Cobbler]

They do make a screwdriver for them. They have two hardened pins on the end that dig into the "ramps". You could take a regular screwdriver and cut a center slot and sharpen the points to accomplish the same thing.

what he said