Those funny shaped screws on electrical appliances

[cqueen]

...that are supposed to stop you tampering with them.

Anyone know a good way of getting around them?

The flex cord on my girlfriends hairdrier is shot to bits but she rekons its the only one which drys her hair 'properly' and refuses to bin it, even though I've told her its bloody dangerous.

so I want to fit a new length of flex... any help?

[Captain Volvo]

Ebay is your friend

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/100pc-BIT-SET-Tamperproof-To...

HTH

[VxDuncan]

Usually Torx (star shaped) or anti tamper torx (same as torx but with a lump in the centre). Get yourself over to screwfix or halfords.

[Pesty]

If they are Torx head screws ,Torx bits are around to buy anywhere from B&Q,screwfix and the likes.

[cqueen]

That does help, although I was really looking for a quick bodge job solution without cost or delay.

[cqueen]

You know crimping sets, you get those two prong fork shape bits, well one of the fits perfect but far too weak to turn.

[Pesty]

Ok

quick bodge.

If they are security torx with the little bit of metal in the middle, knock teh bit of metal out with a hamer and screw driver and try and see if an allen key will fit or maybe even a flat blade screw driver

Edited by Pesty on Saturday 31st January 20:49

[Muntu]

Weld a fork to the screw. Undo by applying leverage with an adjustable spanner.

HTH

[Pesty]

Drill the head off

or if the head is proud saw a slot in it and use a screwdriver

[gti tim]

Not sure how well it works, but when i worked in a prison, prisoners would melt toothbrushes or biros and use the melted plastic to remove hex bolt or torx bit screws to hide their drugs in the light fittings and switches, so maybe try that?

Just melt something with a lighter and stick it on the offending screw to melt as a screwdriver??

[cqueen]

Actually, a better way to describe it is a typical flat head screwdriver type screw (lol) with a blob of metal in the middle so the driver wont go in the slot.

[Muntu]

cqueen said:

That does help, although I was really looking for a quick bodge job solution without cost or delay.

Duct tape the GF's mouth up, settle down in front of the TV with some beer and the remote?

[Pesty]

tt the bit of metal and it will snap off

or saw a slot in your screwdriver till it fits

Edited by Pesty on Saturday 31st January 20:53

[Orb the Impaler]

Muntu said:

cqueen said:

That does help, although I was really looking for a quick bodge job solution without cost or delay.

Duct tape the GF's mouth up, settle down in front of the TV with some beer and the remote?

I like the cut of your jib, sir!

[Ganglandboss]

cqueen said:

Actually, a better way to describe it is a typical flat head screwdriver type screw (lol) with a blob of metal in the middle so the driver wont go in the slot.

Hacksaw to the middle of a screwdriver blade.

[Muntu]

Orb the Impaler said:

Muntu said:

cqueen said:

That does help, although I was really looking for a quick bodge job solution without cost or delay.

Duct tape the GF's mouth up, settle down in front of the TV with some beer and the remote?

I like the cut of your jib, sir!

[cqueen]

Ganglandboss said:

Hacksaw to the middle of a screwdriver blade.

Cant get access to the screw as its down a hole!

[Muntu]

cqueen said:

Ganglandboss said:

Hacksaw to the middle of a screwdriver blade.

Cant get access to the screw as its down a hole!

He is saying create a female bit in the screwdriver that will accomodate the male bit in the screw

[cqueen]

Muntu said:

He is saying create a female bit in the screwdriver that will accomodate the male bit in the screw

oh yes, well spotted! now to find a crappy screw driver...

[Jasandjules]

cqueen said:

...that are supposed to stop you tampering with them.

Anyone know a good way of getting around them?

The flex cord on my girlfriends hairdrier is shot to bits but she rekons its the only one which drys her hair 'properly' and refuses to bin it, even though I've told her its bloody dangerous.

so I want to fit a new length of flex... any help?

Just hit it with a hammer, that's my approach to DIY..

Alternatively, why not just get some 3 core from any other old appliance you no longer use and splice it on instead of the old cord?