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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Joystick Jerk on May 30, 2005, 07:12:42 pm

Title: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: Joystick Jerk on May 30, 2005, 07:12:42 pm
I've been working on my mame cab for a bit now, and it's come time to finally paint her with a couple coats of Melamine semi-gloss. The last bit I need to take off the cab was the black grill covering the speaker panel. While trying to do that this morning, I noticed that the screws used to hold it in place were oddly shaped. They're mostly like a standard screw that takes a star-shaped bit, but they've also have a spindle of metal sticking straight up in the center of the bit hole. From the looks of it it seems like you would need a star-shaped screwdriver that has a hole in the very tip to accomodate the metal spindle.

Has anywhere ever seen these types of screws before and know what they're exact name is? And if so, what type of screwdriver would I need to remove them? My cab is an original Midway MKII cab, so perhaps it was a custom bit only used by Midway or the arcade industry in general.

I've inlcluded a pic below so you can see a cutaway profile of the bit hole and on overhead shot of the overall shape:

(http://members.shaw.ca/awfulpics/screw.jpg)
Title: Re: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: grueinthebox on May 30, 2005, 07:21:02 pm
That would be a security torx bit.  You can get a set on eBay, from Happ (maybe via Ponyboy?), from Bob Roberts, etc.
Title: Re: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: dabone on May 30, 2005, 07:30:36 pm
Autozone, ace hardware, etc.


Later,
dabone
Title: Re: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: Joystick Jerk on May 30, 2005, 07:33:09 pm
Thanks guys! I'm on my way to the hardware store....
Title: Re: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: grueinthebox on May 30, 2005, 08:49:55 pm
Autozone, ace hardware, etc.

Well, I suppose...  Although, that WOULD entail leaving the house...   :-\

;)
Title: Re: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: Joystick Jerk on May 30, 2005, 09:58:37 pm
Well, my local Rona/Revy didn't have any Torx security in stock, so while looking around online for a supplier I found that Sears carries a very affordable set. $9.99 for a Torx Security set containing T-10, T-13, T-20, T-25, T-27 and T-30. This would be a hell of a lot quicker to pick up than ordering from Happ, because who doesn't have a Sears close by.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00925702000&tab=des#tablink
Title: Re: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: MonitorGuru on May 30, 2005, 10:49:52 pm
I found a secuirty Torx bit set at all places-- Big Lots... for about $2.49 with 8 Torx and 8 Security Torx bits.
Title: Re: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: sc1103 on May 30, 2005, 11:41:42 pm
You can get the security Torx kits, I just took a pair of vice grips, tightened them around the head, then twisted the screws out.  Worked rather nicely and cheaply, especially since I doubt that Id actually be accquiring as many machines as some of the members on the boards  :laugh:
Title: Re: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: Ken Layton on May 31, 2005, 01:43:43 am
Tamperproof Torx # T-20 is the most common size on video games.
Title: Re: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: monkeybomb on May 31, 2005, 01:53:25 am
I used a flathead that fit into the top point and the one poining down right.  It worked. 
Title: Re: Need help identifying a screw and the bit it takes
Post by: Joystick Jerk on May 31, 2005, 04:15:07 am
Tamperproof Torx # T-20 is the most common size on video games.

Yep, that's what mine are.

I used a flathead that fit into the top point and the one poining down right.  It worked. 

Tried that at first, but it snapped the corner off of one of my bits. :-[