Source for security / tamper proof wood screws

[ForumMFG]

Look for #8 flat heads that are tamper proof / security screws.  But for wood.  You can find all the machine screws and sheet metals screws. But i can’t find an ones for wood.  Anyone have a source?

 

[afish]

did you check mcmaster carr?

 

[Cheese]

In the past I’ve used regular stainless sheet metal screws for this function. Currently, I have cast aluminum out door lights being held to cedar plinths for the last 10 years. Just make sure to properly size the holes to the fasteners.

 

[semenza]

    ^^  I agree, sheet metal screws hold well in wood too.

Seth

 

[ForumMFG]

did you check mcmaster carr?

I did.  No wood screws

 

[ForumMFG]

In the past I’ve used regular stainless sheet metal screws for this function. Currently, I have cast aluminum out door lights being held to cedar plinths for the last 10 years. Just make sure to properly size the holes to the fasteners.

I’ve done that before too and that will be my last resort. 

 

[oldie]

Hi. Wonder if these people might be able to help:https://www.fastenright.com/products/security-fasteners/security-screws/security-wood-screws 

The images shown on the web-page, don't have a conventional wood type thread - but maybe useable for your purpose?

Richard (UK)

(Edit: appreciate you may have already checked them out...)

 

[afish]

did you check mcmaster carr?

I did.  No wood screws

Have you considered using a threaded insert in the wood so you can use tamper proof machine screws?  I dont ever recall seeing tamper proof wood screws but its not something I looked for either.

 

[Cheese]

I’ve done that before too and that will be my last resort.

The actual thread form isn't really that different between sheet metal & wood screws. If however, you're talking about traditional tapered wood screws that are used in boat building, well then that's a different thing.

Fastenal used to offer a lot of tamper proof screws.

 

[WastedP]

I second Fastenal.  I used them (years ago) for security torx coarse thread, long shank screws with the slim finish heads.  These were used for securing furniture to walls and floors in a psychiatric treatment facility.  After installation, I was required to fill the screw heads with a Sika pick-proof adhesive that was customer provided.  I pity the poor workers that ever need to remove any of it.

 

[DeformedTree]

maybe this is a tangent, but isn't a tamper proof screw for wood just called a nail?

If it is something that has to be removable, there are no tamperproof screws, someone makes a tool for all of them.  But as others have said, metal screws work just the same, or the insert with a machine screw (that will give you all the options).

 

[Oldwood]

One thing I have seen done is to pound lead or some other soft metal into the screw head socket.

If you need to remove the screws you can heat with micro torch and pick out the lead.

 

[Imemiter]

maybe this is a tangent, but isn't a tamper proof screw for wood just called a nail?

Ha! A spiral ring shank.  [big grin]

 

[flair woodworks]

there are no tamperproof screws, someone makes a tool for all of them.

I have seen many public washroom stalls put together with unidirectional screws that allow no purchase in the counterclockwise direction. However, pliers might do the trick.

Read my blog:https://flairwoodworks.com/welcome/blog/

 

[AlexThePalex]

there are no tamperproof screws, someone makes a tool for all of them.

I have seen many public washroom stalls put together with unidirectional screws that allow no purchase in the counterclockwise direction. However, pliers might do the trick.

Those things are to prevent two things, vandalism and burglary. A determined burglar has no problem circumventing such measures, but the average vandal can't touch them. 

 

[Bohdan]

For a long time I was involved with securing equipment in an educational environment and we found that the only screw head that was readily available in metal thread nuts and bolts and sheet metal screws that could defeat most attacks was the Tri-groove. It's not available in a flat head version but if it is fitted in a recess then only the correct tool can remove it.

The correct tools are not sold in the usual (cheap) assorted security bit packs and are approx $30 each. You can buy them but as they are sold by a size number it is quite expensive to just get the whole set in the hope that you have the right one. The only time that they were beaten was when the tech didn't tighten them correctly.

 

[DeformedTree]

there are no tamperproof screws, someone makes a tool for all of them.

I have seen many public washroom stalls put together with unidirectional screws that allow no purchase in the counterclockwise direction. However, pliers might do the trick.

Those things are to prevent two things, vandalism and burglary. A determined burglar has no problem circumventing such measures, but the average vandal can't touch them.

Or the vandel has access to a home depot, amazon to just buy the tool.

Or they use a chisel and other ways the internet shows.

Such screws only stop spur of the moment stuff, but for that, any screw will do.  If the person did any planning, they will get the tool they need.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Such screws only stop spur of the moment stuff, but for that, any screw will do.  If the person did any planning, they will get the tool they need.

Well, thanks for paraphrasing my words.  [wink]

 

[ChuckM]

If something is made of wood. the level of security is already compromised, so the goal should be to deter and minimize the crime of convenience. As others have pointed out, the determined will come with the tools necessary (a grinder or Dremel e.g.) to get what he or she wants.

Consider using more than one (as many as possible) type of fasteners (both security and regular kinds -- slot, hex, etc.). I might even strip/deform a couple of them so they can only be removed with a screw extractor if needed.

 

[ChuckM]

Snip
I have seen many public washroom stalls put together with unidirectional screws that allow no purchase in the counterclockwise direction. However, pliers might do the trick.

Read my blog:https://flairwoodworks.com/welcome/blog/

Pliers like this, which I'm getting:https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/pliers/48332-screw-pliers?item=25K1702