- Definitely agree, those oddball screws can be a real pain.
- I see it a lot with roof vents and skylights—manufacturers use tamper-resistant fasteners, supposedly for security or warranty reasons.
- Sometimes it makes sense, like keeping folks from messing with electrical connections or gas lines. But for basic repairs? Feels like overkill.
- Had a job last month where I needed a star-shaped bit just to remove a vent cap. Ended up running to three hardware stores before I found the right one.
- I get wanting to keep things safe, but it slows down even simple fixes. Not everyone has a toolbox full of specialty bits.
- There’s probably a balance—use standard screws for stuff that’s meant to be maintained, and save the weird ones for safety-critical parts.
- Honestly, half the time it just means people strip the screws or break the plastic trying to pry things open anyway... which doesn’t help anyone.
- Would be nice if companies at least included the right tool in the box, or made it easier to get.
I’ve got a drawer full of weird little bits now, just from chasing after these “security” screws. Last week, I tried to open a bathroom fan cover and ended up using a butter knife... not my proudest moment. At this point, I’d pay extra for normal Phillips heads—at least my screwdriver collection would stop multiplying.
At this point, I’d pay extra for normal Phillips heads—at least my screwdriver collection would stop multiplying.
I hear you on that. Last month, I was trying to get into a ceiling vent after a hailstorm, and the thing had some bizarre triangle-shaped screws. Ended up driving across town to find a bit that fit, and by the time I got back, the rain had started up again. Not exactly ideal when you’re trying to check for water damage.
I get that manufacturers want to keep people from messing with stuff they shouldn’t, but honestly, it feels like overkill. If someone’s determined, a weird screw isn’t going to stop them. Meanwhile, the rest of us are stuck with a pile of specialty bits and stripped heads. I’d take a regular Phillips or even a flathead any day—at least you know what you’re dealing with.
It’s almost like they’re daring us to break something just to get inside. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I’d rather spend my time fixing the actual problem than hunting for the right tool.
- I get the frustration, but I kind of see why they use those odd screws sometimes.
- Security screws can actually help with safety—like keeping kids out of electrical panels or stopping tampering with HVAC stuff.
- I’ve run into the same headache (my attic fan had those star-shaped ones), but after picking up a cheap multi-bit set, it hasn’t been as bad.
- Not saying it’s perfect, but I’d rather deal with a weird screw than risk someone getting hurt or breaking something important.
- Still, I wish there was more consistency—at least stick to one or two types per house, not five.
I get the logic behind security screws, but man, the variety in my place is wild. When I moved in, I figured I’d need a Phillips and maybe a flathead. Nope—first time I tried to swap out a thermostat, I ran into a triangle screw. Then the bathroom fan had those “snake-eye” things. Ended up buying a whole set of bits just to get through basic fixes.
“Still, I wish there was more consistency—at least stick to one or two types per house, not five.”
Couldn’t agree more. I get that they want to keep people safe or prevent tampering, but it feels like overkill sometimes. I’m all for safety, but when you’re juggling a handful of different drivers just to do routine stuff, it gets old fast. At this point, I just keep the multi-bit set in my kitchen drawer. It’s not perfect, but at least I’m not making extra trips to the hardware store every time something needs attention.
