6 Pointed Star Shaped Bolt Head-Pin in middle-What is it?!

[MitchJi]

Hi,

The bolts for the ZENN Rear Battery Compartment Lid:

Have a head with a 6 pointed star (about 7/16" from tip to tip) with a pin in the middle (a little less than 1/4" diameter):

Anyone know what tool to purchase to remove the bolts (other than a drill bit )?

Thanks!

 

[fizzit]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx

 

[biohazardman]

If it actually has a pin in the middle it's a "tamper proof torx". Just another of many security ideas to keep the honest people honest and things not tampered with.

 

[MitchJi]

Hi,

If it actually has a pin in the middle it's a "tamper proof torx".

It does have a pin in the middle.

Thanks!

 

[dnmun]

you can buy the torx with the hole in it but i have broken out the pin by running a small sharpened screwdriver tip in the side and fractured the pin out before so i could use an ordinary torx. or drill it out and use an ease out, replace with regular cap screws.

 

[MitchJi]

Hi,

you can buy the torx with the hole in it but i have broken out the pin by running a small sharpened screwdriver tip in the side and fractured the pin out before so i could use an ordinary torx. or drill it out and use an ease out, replace with regular cap screws.

After I broke a second easy out, which left a hardened broken shaft in the bolt I'm planning to never use another. Replacing it with regular cap screws might be on the list though.

Thanks Again!

 

[TylerDurden]

Kinda crappy, but they usually work... cheap enough to try.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-pc-star-tamper-proof-key-set-97471.html

torx specs
http://www.wihatools.com/Marketing/torxspec.htm

 

[Gordo]

Hi,

you can buy the torx with the hole in it but i have broken out the pin by running a small sharpened screwdriver tip in the side and fractured the pin out before so i could use an ordinary torx. or drill it out and use an ease out, replace with regular cap screws.

After I broke a second easy out, which left a hardened broken shaft in the bolt I'm planning to never use another. Replacing with regular cap screws might be on the list though.

Thanks Again!

I have some of these torx security bits, but if I don't have the size I use a nailset to break the pin off. Very easy to break them.

 

[biohazardman]

Yes, you can break the pins out but there will always be more and different tamper proof fasteners. Get a cheap tamper proof set that has the torx included you can never have enough screwdriver bits. ;^)

 

[gogo]

I read reviews on cheap security torx bits/wrenches and saw that some have misaligned holes and therefore don't even work! So I went down to the local machine/fastener supply store and they recommended and then ordered a set of Bondhus (made in USA) Star tip TR wrenches with lifetime warranty. I think the price was about $20 for 8 pieces which wasn't any more than other quality sets.

http://www.amazon.com/Bondhus-32434-Resistant-L-wrenches-TR9-TR40/dp/B000E7ZQ58 $13.49 delivered

 

[TylerDurden]

Ja, the cheapies can be poorly made.

It's strange that security hardware was used.

 

[MitchJi]

Hi,

You guys are great! I ask for the bit type and I get the bit type, a chart to determine the correct size, methods to use a standard tool instead of the security tool and some good tool recommendations.

Unfortunately its a size T55 so the Bondus kits don't work. I think I'm going to get a 3/8" drive security tool since I don't have a standard T55 either. The standard socket is a couple of dollars more, but its probably worth $2 not to have to break out the pins.

It's strange that security hardware was used.

I agree. It's probably the higher voltage batteries (highest 4 of 6) and they consider it a safety issue.

Thanks Again!

 

[TylerDurden]

HF got da 3/8 security set <$10, icl. t55

http://www.harborfreight.com/38-drive-tamper-resistant-star-bit-set-67886.html

 

[MitchJi]

Hi Tyler,

HF got da 3/8 security set <$10, icl. t55

http://www.harborfreight.com/38-drive-tamper-resistant-star-bit-set-67886.html

Thanks! I'd already ordered the T55 bit for $10.80 plus $9 shipping .

That's ok because almost every time I've purchase a cheap tool I ended up regreting it.