Security screws are designed to prevent removal by anyone without the matching specialised driver. They are used on public infrastructure, game consoles, electronics, electrical panels, and anywhere manufacturers or authorities want to discourage tampering. Here is every common type and what opens it.
Security Screw Types and Matching Drivers
| Security Screw Type | What It Looks Like | Matching Driver | Where It Is Found |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Torx (Pin-in-Torx) | Six-point star with a pin in the centre | Security Torx bit (hole in centre) | Game consoles (Xbox, PS4/PS5), public fixtures, appliances |
| Spanner (Snake-Eye) | Two small round holes on a flat head | Spanner bit (two-prong fork) | Public bathrooms, elevator panels, bus/train interiors |
| One-Way | Slotted with a ramped edge (tightens only) | Screw extractor or left-hand drill | Permanent installations, prison fixtures, anti-theft plates |
| Torq-Set | Offset cross pattern (not centred) | Torq-Set bit (offset cross) | Military and aerospace (helicopter rotors, aircraft panels) |
| Tri-Groove | Three curved slots in a rounded triangle | Tri-groove socket | Utility meters, manhole covers, telecom cabinets |
| Pentalobe | Five-pointed flower shape | Pentalobe driver (P2, P5, P6) | Apple iPhones, MacBooks, Apple Watch |
| Tri-Wing | Three offset wing slots | Tri-Wing bit (TW0–TW5) | Nintendo consoles, some aerospace |
| Hex Pin (Security Allen) | Hexagonal with a centre pin | Security hex bit (hole in centre) | Street furniture, playground equipment, public fixtures |
| Bristol Spline | Four or six fluted spline pattern | Bristol spline driver | Aerospace, military optics, some firearms |
| Clutch Type A (Bow-Tie) | Bow-tie or figure-8 shape | Clutch Type A bit | Older GM vehicles, vintage mobile homes, some HVAC |
Why Security Screws Exist
- Public safety - prevent tampering with electrical panels, transit equipment, and infrastructure
- Liability - discourage unqualified disassembly of products with safety-critical components
- Warranty enforcement - deter consumers from opening devices and voiding warranties
- Theft prevention - one-way screws on licence plates, anti-theft brackets, and retail fixtures
- Vandalism deterrence - public bathroom fixtures, park benches, and street furniture
Getting Security Bits
Security bit sets are widely available and not restricted for purchase. A 100-piece security bit set from Wiha, Wera, or a quality brand typically covers security Torx, spanner, hex pin, Tri-Wing, Pentalobe, Torq-Set, and clutch types. These sets cost $20–$60 and are a worthwhile investment for anyone who works on electronics, appliances, or public fixtures.
One-way screws are the only security type that cannot be removed with a matching bit - they are designed for permanent installation. To remove them, use a screw extractor, cut a slot with a rotary tool and use a flat head driver, or drill them out.
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Pentalobe Screwdriver: Apple's Proprietary Screw Explained
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