Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Arcade Collecting => Miscellaneous Arcade Talk => Topic started by: Hoopz on April 28, 2007, 04:56:57 pm

Title: Security Screw help
Post by: Hoopz on April 28, 2007, 04:56:57 pm: Attached is a picture of a security screw that I am having trouble finding a bit for. It's out of a La Cross 7-UP machine from the early 60's. Sorry for the lack of clarity in the picture. I had trouble getting the camera to focus on the screw.

It has a rectangular middle with a curve on either end:

____
( ____ )

Any ideas? Any flathead bit that will fit is not thick enough and won't work. I could take a bit that is thick enough and too long and use a dremel to make it fit, but I would rather find the right bit if possible...

Thanks!

(http://home.insightbb.com/%7Eindianademolay/screw.JPG)
Title: Re: Security Screw help
Post by: Red 5 on April 28, 2007, 06:08:36 pm: Looks to me like a Clutch Head Screw.

Try ACE Hardware.

Or

http://www.lara.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?keywords=bt-cl

Jon
Title: Re: Security Screw help
Post by: Ken Layton on April 28, 2007, 06:28:07 pm: It is indeed a clutch head screw. I've seen many over the years. The screws come in different sizes just like sheet metal screws.

So if you have a #8 size clutch head screw it's the same diameter & thread size as a #8 sheet metal screw. A number 8 clutch head screw needs a # 8 clutch bit to remove it. Same goes for a # 10 clutch screw needs a #10 bit.
Title: Re: Security Screw help
Post by: Hoopz on April 28, 2007, 06:33:13 pm: Thanks guys. I pulled up your link Red 5 and it's the first time I saw it's type on a website. I searched through a lot but without knowing the name, I didn't have any luck.

Ace is closest to my house but I didn't look there yet. :angry: Not sure why...

Thanks Red 5 and Ken. I appreciate your help. :)
Title: Re: Security Screw help
Post by: JackTucky on April 28, 2007, 08:02:15 pm: Quote from: Ken Layton on April 28, 2007, 06:28:07 pm
It is indeed a clutch head screw. I've seen many over the years. The screws come in different sizes just like sheet metal screws.

So if you have a #8 size clutch head screw it's the same diameter & thread size as a #8 sheet metal screw. A number 8 clutch head screw needs a # 8 clutch bit to remove it. Same goes for a # 10 clutch screw needs a #10 bit.

If you go to Ace Hardware and they give you the run around, tell them that Ken Layton sent you. He's the man.

=J
Title: Re: Security Screw help
Post by: knave on April 29, 2007, 01:15:54 am: It almost looks like a square drive bit might work in there...
Title: Re: Security Screw help
Post by: Hoopz on April 29, 2007, 07:15:46 am: Quote from: knave on April 29, 2007, 01:15:54 am
It almost looks like a square drive bit might work in there...

Almost but not quite. It won't hold. Instead it rounds off the edges because of the size. I am fairly sure it was made this on purpose. Oh well...off to Ace later today.
Title: Re: Security Screw help
Post by: ChadTower on April 30, 2007, 09:25:42 am: If you have a Dremel (and everyone should!), you can cut slots in it in seconds.
Title: Re: Security Screw help
Post by: knave on April 30, 2007, 12:11:53 pm: I bought a whole kit of 33 security bits from Harbor freight for $2.99. I needed one to open up my marquee...

...I just checked and the 33 piece kit is not on sale anymore and it doesn't have the clutch bits, But this larger 100 piece kit says it has 3 clutch bits in it (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91310) and it's just $5.99 right now. :D
Title: Re: Security Screw help
Post by: Hoopz on April 30, 2007, 01:35:27 pm: Stopped by Ace on my way to the office today. Found it right away. Their selection is smalled but more diverse than Lowes if that makes any sense.