TomTom ONE tamper proof screws

[Graham.]

I need to get inside my TomTom ONE (original version). Can some one tell me what size hex pin-head security screws it uses, and where the best place to buy a tool?

[Chris Hodges]

screwfix do a cheap set of many anti tamper bits (also available from RS, cpc etc.) If it's hex with a pin that should do it.

[tim.....]

I'm intrigued, why?

Are you sure that it's not a star?

tim

[Graham.]

To repair it. It charges intermittently. Giving it a thump restores charging, the green LED on the top remains lit regardless so its definitely internal. A dry-joint, or lose earthling screw maybe, I am sure I will find it when I get inside the case.

No, its like an alan key type head with a central spigot. Not a Torx etc.

[Andrew Gabriel]

With the torx ones, inserting an appropriate sized small screwdriver and giving it a quarter turn pings off the pin, and allows a standard torx tool to be used. Might work with alan key heads too. Close your eyes as you twist the screwdriver so the pin doesn't fly into your eye.

[Graham.]

Thanks Andrew, the real thing is here

perhaps I can find one or two other items I could use to justify the postage. Any one know where I could get something over the counter?

[Frank Erskine]

Ages ago I got a very similar set from Machine Mart. I'm pretty certain they still sell them.

[Adrian C]

Got a Screwfix counter nearby?

[Graham.]

Thanks Adrian, Ill try to pop into Trafford Park tomorrow.

[John Rumm]

Only thing to check is they have one small enough in the set (not so much of a problem with hex, but certainly can be with torx).

[Adrian C]

I've got a similar set to the Screwfix one. In mine, Smallest Torx is T-8H, Smallest Hex is 5/64". A brief look at other suppliers (CPC, Maplin, eBay, Amazon) show the same lower limit for their similar "33-Bit security" product.

[John Rumm]

Yup, I needed a small torx driver a while back, and eventually found a set of very small ones at CPC - the whole set carried on down from what is the smallest in most sets.

[djc]

Maplin. In little green jelly like case with about a dozen assorted bits .

[Chris Hodges]

"Tamper proof hex" are normally imperial sizes and a quite common. Bits are easily available in a kit, but on the larger sizes you can often remove the pip with a dremel. That sort of thing aren't too bad, what _really_ evil is counterbored 1-way clutch screws (managed to get one out of a canon charger recently though).

[Adam Aglionby]

Got to ask how?

Thanks Adam

[Clint Sharp]

In message , Graham. writes

Was going to ask if you wanted to borrow some (Altrincham) but if they're only 2.99 for a set......

[Graham.]

Thanks to all who responded. I got the little kit from Screwfix, the 5/64in one fitted well enough, but it was lose enough for me to suspect it should have been the metric size bigger. Anyway it's fixed now, a dry-joint on the power connecter caused by vibration because of the way it's mounted in the car. When I get time I'll put some pictures and notes on the web, I could find nothing myself.

The thought of my sat-nav letting me down was very scary, I haven't looked at a paper map for almost two years.

[Graham.]

Nice of you to offer, but jobs-a -good'n (see my last post) I'm going to see if one of the other bits will open my faulty Tesco Value toster...

[Frank Erskine]

Generally it's not worth the bother of trying to repair throw-away type toasters - you can't get spare parts for them... A bit like jug kettles!

[Chris Hodges]

This time plan A worked - lean very hard, turn very gently and the screwdriver bites on the steepest part of the ramp (use a slightly smaller driver than is proper for the head and it digs in a bit).

Plan B was a small drill into the thickest parts of the head and a "snake eyes" bit.