What screw type is this (weird Ikea head)

[Sebastian Cobb]

Sorry for such a trite thread, I want to wire a remote module to this lamp in place of the switch (during testing at least) but don't know the name of the fitting to get the right bits. I'd prefer not to just chop it out.

[the]

Would you get enough purchase to unscrew it using the old trick of heating the end of a biro casing (or similar plastic rod) and pushing it in to mould to the shape?

[Uncle TechTip]

Is it a slightly different form of one-way, so you have no choice but to cut it out or melt a pen on it.

I like Frearson, which seems to be Philips reversed, can't imagine why that didn't take off. Bristol looks needlessly Iiddly as well. Supadriv pronounced super drive. Down the screw head dumper you go.

[Claude the Racecar Driving Rockstar Super Sleuth]

They've all had a weird screw after...

[Sebastian Cobb]

Is it a slightly different form of one-way, so you have no choice but to cut it out or melt a pen on it.

Ah shit it is isn't it? I'll try the biro as you/the suggested (worked getting the triangle screws on my gamecube), I suppose I could drill it but at that point I may as well chop it out.

[buzby]

Spring loaded centre punch to turn it out, or drill a pilot hole down the middle and use a screw extractor/Easy Out to get it out - see here.

There are drivers specifically for removing these screws that have two small hardened steel pints instead of a blade ,btu they aren't exactly cheap or easy to come by.

[Sebastian Cobb]

Cheers, buzby! I'll go with the centre punch I think.

[Fr.Bigley]

Torque set innit?

[buzby]

Torque set innit?

Torq-Set is the offset Phillips:

The ones used by Ikea on their electronic gear to stop you dismantling them are Clutch Head/One Way security screws.

[Fr.Bigley]

Torq-Set is the offset Phillips:

The ones used by Ikea on their electronic gear to stop you dismantling them are Clutch Head/One Way security screws.

thank you for the clarification. I've learned today. sincere

[Ferris]

Am I too late to point out they are security screws?

You need to drill it out of get one of those fancy screw-grabber drill bit things. I think a punch would crack the plastic frame.

In the past I've used a hacksaw blade to put an extra groove in the head and removed with a flat bit screw driver but it's not easy and you can shear the head off and leave yourself snookered. I'd guess those are self tapping screws so as long as you were careful you'd have them out with a few turns (ie they'd be loose enough to remove by hand after).

I know an inordinate of shit about screws and/or bolts. My time to shine!

[Ferris]

...beaten to the punch (ho ho) by the omniscient Buzby!

The guy's too good.

[Glebe]

[Blumf]

Fucking bonkers how many screw head styles there are.

And Sebastian Cobb, make damn sure you get us the money shot when you get them screws out, the inside of that switch all splayed out.

[Dex Sawash]

This is why we have wire nuts in america. Jerk the fkn wires out the switch and you 4 have nice stripped ends to patch together in 3 seconds. (Except the unswitched lead always passes straight through those floor lump devices spoiling my joke)

[touchingcloth]

Ignore, just signed up, all posts about screwing, etc.

I wonder why Ikea do this? Why are they arsed if you take their plugs apart?

[Sebastian Cobb]

Ignore, just signed up, all posts about screwing, etc.

I wonder why Ikea do this? Why are they arsed if you take their plugs apart?

Probably because they don't want unqualified idiots like me opening them up and messing around with the electricity.

Of course it won't stop idiots like me, we have wire cutters, so we just can't put the switch back in later if we wanted to.

[Ferris]

I was just about to type out that they are security screws and likely self-tappers, but you'll need a drill press and screw-grabber thing to pull them out.

The noticed I'd said exactly the same thing 2+ years ago. I'm nothing if not consistent/tedious.

You are indeed correct it's done to keep simpletons away from electricity. You're also correct that committed simpletons will find a way, I've re-wired these in the past with zero fatalities to myself or others.

[touchingcloth]

It seems like it's more dangerous than the alternative to me. I know how to safely rewire a plug, but if something used screws like that rather than something compatible with a normal driver I could end up cracking the thing in my excitement to get it open and leaving myself with a reason to sue Ikea.

Incidentally, I have an aunt named Sue Ikea.