This is topic What kind of security screw is this? in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 09-10-2002, 03:41 PM:
What kind of security screw is this? (The picture isn't too clear, but that is actually screwed into the rack.) How can it be removed and where can I get the tool? I can understand why some companies want to keep equipment from walking away, but sooner or later a piece of equipment will fail and needs to be pulled out of the rack for servicing.
Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 09-10-2002, 03:45 PM:
I don't know if there's a special tool for it, but I've removed screws like that by clamping down hard on the screw head with a pair of vicegrip pliars and turning them like a screwdriver. You might also be able to [carefully] cut a slot in the head with a Dremel tool so you could use a regular screwdriver...
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 09-10-2002, 03:51 PM:
I agree with David.
Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 09-10-2002, 04:35 PM:
"Hmm...a bald-headed screw. I wish I had a bald-headed screwdriver."
--Moe from "The Three Stooges"
Posted by Dustin Mitchell (Member # 372) on 09-10-2002, 06:31 PM:
Is that a DTS unit? They must have drilled a new hole(s) just for that screw(s). Seems a tad extreme.
Posted by Gerard S. Cohen (Member # 994) on 09-10-2002, 06:35 PM:
Are you sure it's a screw? Looks like a blind rivet to me.
If it is, I'd drill it out.
Posted by Bruce Hansen (Member # 281) on 09-10-2002, 06:53 PM:
I have removed things like that, and also screws that have been worn so that a screw driver will no longer turn them, by biteing down on them with a pair of wire cutters. Bite down on the outside rim with the cutters, and then turn. Most hardware stores sell a kit of security bits, if you want to take all the fun out of it.
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 09-10-2002, 07:01 PM:
I don't know Gerard, it might be a rivet. All I know is one of the items in one of the racks at this theater has failed and must be pulled out for servicing. (No, it wasn't the dts unit, that was just nearby a good light source.)Oh, did I mention my sheer love for this kind of crap? Pain in the butt! 
Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 09-10-2002, 07:18 PM:
I third David's suggestion.
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 09-10-2002, 08:01 PM:
Use a dremel tool to cut a slot in the top of it
Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 09-10-2002, 08:19 PM:
One hefty swing with a hammer should remove it.. 
Maybe I should not say that.
Is it actually a thumb screw that has been over-tightened? It could be a spiffy pop-rivet to make it look nice. If you twist it and it does not unscrew, it probably is a pop-rivet. I have broken those off with a good vise-grip and punched them through with a drift punch. I don't like drilling them because of the possibility of the little curly-cues accidently dropping into electronic devices.
Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 09-10-2002, 08:53 PM:
I've seen screws like that before that have a shaft about 1" long. The end of the shaft (opposite the one in the picture) is squared off like a hex nut that you can loosen (or tighten) with a normal wrench or socket. Depending how tight the space is inside the rack you might need a couple of extension pieces on a socket to get at it.Just remember to turn clockwise to loosen.
Posted by Ken Layton (Member # 133) on 09-11-2002, 05:22 PM:
I also vote to use a Dremel tool and cut a slot in the head.
Posted by Richard Tucker (Member # 812) on 09-11-2002, 10:07 PM:
Brad:
Posted by Richard Tucker (Member # 812) on 09-11-2002, 10:11 PM:
Brad:
I think this is the same screw I used to install on racks we put behind the screen for Act III. The head is slightly oval, and requires a special tool to fit the head. The box I have says "Premier Security Screw #10 size, 10/32". If you can't find the tool, let me know, as I have several extras and would be glad to send you one.
Posted by Steven Privett (Member # 718) on 09-11-2002, 10:21 PM:
[ 10-03-2003, 03:16 PM: Message edited by: Steven Privett ]