Tamper-resistant sheet metal screws (Pin type)

theres a wierd torx pin type used in prisons. i found out after attempting to move a security screen in a friends van. the security screen company admitted it was very high security and likely no one would sell me the tool.

so i ground off the heads.

apparently the pupeteer van was originally destined for police work...

i saw the same fastner when a cop gave me and my wife a ride after our vehicle broke down.

police car back seats are very cramped and not comfy...

that week all 3 of our vehicles died, the last ones transmission blew up ...........

I bought two sets at Micro Center and between the two of them I probably spent less than $20 and now can take just about anything apart. I picked up the pentagonal one from a sprinkler guy, that didn't come with the sets (that one I believe is also used on some waterflow switch covers)

nate

Just about any sheet metal screw can become "tamper proof" if you fill the screwdriver insertion area with a dollop of epoxy.

Then, to remove the screw, you drill a small hole, insert a screw-extractor, and wind it out. You could probably even re-use the screw with another portion of epoxy.

Pin in center fasteners are easily defeated with an automatic center punch. You place the tip of the punch in the space between the pin and drive surface, push and it will break off the the pin so a standard hex or Torx bit can be used. I remember seeing a fastener that had a head similar to a dome nut but without the flats. The head was not as tall as a dome nut, more like a round head screw but slightly out of round so nothing but the matching tool could grip it.

TDD