Damn security bits

JamBur

Anyone able to advise me what type bit I need for the bolt in the attached picture. I got a genetic security bit set and the 3 sided one I got doesn't fit.

Atlantic Dawn

Would the likes of Maplin stock them?

jca

Try Renault as its probably a Renault specific fitting.

JamBur

Thanks lads, I tied maplins already.... No joy. Will try Renault on Monday

316

That screw head you are trying to undo looks like its been previously molested.

The lips

Yes, previously molested. A tri-wing bit on a speed brace would be best for that job.

Lidl or aldi usually have little boxes of multi type bits for sale. About €7.

They might not be the strongest bits but always handy to have in the arsenal.

slimjimmc

The lips wrote: »

Yes, previously molested. A tri-wing bit on a speed brace would be best for that job.

Lidl or aldi usually have little boxes of multi type bits for sale. About €7.

They might not be the strongest bits but always handy to have in the arsenal.

His photo shows what looks like a tri-wing bit (blades offset from centre) so it's probably not that unless the screw is so mangled the bit doesn't fit. Possibly a tri-point or a proprietary screw.

JamBur

It seems to have a very soft head, I scored it slightly using a tri- wing with a ratchet. Didn't want to go further as the head would be destroyed in no time. I think it might be a proprietary Renault bit alright. A pain in the ass! Anyway I gave up ages ago and started gardening, that's a pain in the ass as well:)

Thanks lads

316

Drill the head off it only solution now.

slimjimmc

316 wrote: »

Drill the head off it only solution now.

There are other less destructive ways. A old one which often works is to cut a notch into the rim or drill a small hole near the edge (anything to bite into) and, using a hammer and punch/flat screwdriver, gently tap the screw head counter-clockwise to loosen it.

316

Them methods are only foolishness, drill the head off it and be done with it. Only thing destructive is the screw.

slimjimmc

316 wrote: »

Them methods are only foolishness, drill the head off it and be done with it. Only thing destructive is the screw.

Drilling it out without trying to get it out in one piece is foolish unless you have a suitable replacement. What if it's a special screw that's not easily replaceable.

Massimo Cassagrande

Use a dremel to cut a straight slot in the head and then use a flat screwdriver. It works, I know.

CJhaughey

If you have a steady hand drill two small holes in the flange 180° apart.
Use a circlip pliers to turn it.
Replace it with a normal head.
Or a very sharp cold chisel and tap it loose then when you have it out slot for a normal flathead with a junior hacksaw.

JamBur

All good ideas, but I wonder would it be wasted time. Those bolts hold in the rear light cluster. There is a dead led strip. Are they rare to die? Are they replaceable, or is it a full new cluster? There is water in the housing.

What sort of price range are we talking about?

bren11

If you can get access to the LED strip on a PCB, and if corrosion is not bad, dry it with heat gun /hairdrier, and touch up solder joints with a soldering iron, worked for me with jetta brake light LEDS.