Wednesday, July 11, 2018

What Is It With All These "Special" Screws!

    Seems that every time I need to open up and repair anything bought within the last few years I need some kind of special tool. It's getting crazy. I have about 30 single purpose screwdriver tips that I had to buy just to be able to open the various devices. I remember when the, so called, security screws were there to prevent tampering with sensitive or dangerous innards. That I can understand, but replacing the AAA batteries on a flashlight shouldn't be all that dangerous! Luckily, I have found some inexpensive screwdriver bit sets that cover most of the security screws I have encountered so far.

I began by doing a quick search online for security bit sets. Oh my! There were a TON of them. The trick was having the largest choice in a variety of sizes to fit the most screws. There are few things more frustrating than having the correct type of screw bit in the wrong size! Believe me, it's happened to me so many times I have lost count. Amazing what a regular flat bladed screwdriver on a crazy angle will actually open. Of course, when it slips across the screw head and stabs you in the hand it isn't so great. I have the scars to prove it! So, back to security bit sets.

After narrowing the field down to a select few, I decided to order two of them and directly compare them in person. One was a set with 32 bits and a handle all in a plastic carry case with a clear lid so you can see what's inside. When opened and flipped over, the lid acts as a stand. It had mostly smaller sizes and also included tweezers. This one was decent for computer and small electronic device projects, but since there were no larger sizes it wouldn't be my first choice. It was only 7.99 on Amazon, so not a huge price to pay. It now lives in the computer room to use on hard drives and other computer hardware. It's a nice set, but without enough uses for me to use up the space onboard the RV. I have so little to spare...

The other set was from Harbor Freight, it was the 100 piece screwdriver bit set ( item#68457). This one had everything you would need for most jobs. I am SURE there are other security screws out there, but not that I have seen. It is packed in a sturdy plastic case and contained adapters to use the bits with both a power drill/driver or a standard sized screwdriver handle. That's the only hitch. Either you already have a hex drive handle (I had several) or you need to buy one that will work. I had one that I got with a Harbor Freight "free" coupon (Item #69470) that works perfectly. This kit is only 9.99 for 100 bits. A better deal in a much sturdier case.


At some point, you will find yourself up against one of the oddball security screws, wishing you had a way to easily remove it. This is the way!

Be Seeing You...Down The Road,

Rich "The Wanderman"
www.thewanderman.com

12 comments:

  1. Got that one from harbor freight as it was the only one that the double crescent driver tip for the screws Amerigo put their whole rig together with, sadly, it snap the tip off after a couple uses and I ended up having to go back to cutting the screws off.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Big Matt,
      So far, I've been lucky and haven't managed to break any of them. Saved my bacon many times! Mmmm bacon! I wonder if Harbor Freight will replace the broken one?

      Rich "The Wanderman"

      Delete
  2. I try to replace the proprietary screws (as I call them) with plain ol' Philips screws when I can. The only problem with that is when you go to sell, it may look like you were FIXING something rather than maintaining. Depending on the maintenance frequency, I think that is easily explained to a potential buyer though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown,
      Replacing them is fine. I like to use Stainless steel to combat rust. That being said, you still have to remove them in the first place!

      Rich "The Wanderman"

      Delete
  3. Steve Barnes, Kamloops, BCJuly 14, 2018 at 9:01 AM

    If you hear someone ask for a Robertson screwdriver, they are likely Canadian. We have been using these screws, square head to Americans, for over 100 years. Henry Ford used them on the Model T. They are clearly superior to Philips.
    .
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._L._Robertson

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steve,
      Robertson was a Canadian, eh? Way cool! Square head works quite well as long as you have the correctly sized bit.

      Rich "The Wanderman"

      Delete
  4. What bothers me most is that you can't get these special bits in "multi-packs." I still haven't found any company where I can purchase just the bits I want in 5 or 10 packs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joseph,
      I am sure, someone sells multiple bits of the same type. Have you tried McMaster Carr?

      Rich "The Wanderman"

      Delete
    2. My experience is you can’t find Robertson screwdrivers in the U.S. Most Canadians will have a set colour/color coded by size, black, red and green. I just learned there is also a yellow.
      .
      When we moved to the U.S. 60 years ago the movers had to unpack my fathers tools first, in order to assemble our Robertson screwed beds.

      Delete
    3. Steve,
      You'd think in the intervening years we'd have more standardized North American tool sets. yet another reason to have an assorted set!

      Rich "The Wanderman"

      Delete
  5. If you maintain a GMC motorhome (1973-1978), you will definitely need a 'clutch' bit or, better screwdriver. Early attempt by GMC toward rapid assembly. Screw head design keeps it on the tool. No trying to hold the tool and the screw.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown,
      Like so many "good ideas" That one comes back to haunt us!

      Rich "The Wanderman"

      Delete

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