Really Getting Tired of the BS With the Multiple Screwheads

So I'm going to clean my Mass Air Flow sensor because I have "service engine soon" light. What do you know, a new screw I haven't seen yet. A torx with a pin in the center so you need torx with hole in the center of the tip.

What kind of BS is that. The only possible purpose is to prevent someone from using a regular torx screwdriver.

Off to the drill press I go. <sigh>

Actually it is called a security bit Richard. You are not supposed to be screwing with that MAF sensor. We used them exclusively at the prison to keep prisoners from taking things apart. I must report that it didn't work.

Kevin

Harbor Freight has a full set of the security bits for like $7

I bought a big kit with every conceivable bit in it and I have yet to need the use of the damn thing.

Fail with the drill press, the drill bits I have are no match for the torx bits. Tried grinding the pin out with the Dremel but looks like the only thing that is going to accomplish is messing up the screw. Guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow and get some bits.

I can understand the need for them in prison but not on my car.

Richard S. wrote:Fail with the drill press, the drill bits I have are no match for the torx bits. Tried grinding the pin out with the Dremel but looks like the only thing that is going to accomplish is messing up the screw. Guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow and get some bits.

I can understand the need for them in prison but not on my car.

Usually the little pin breaks off pretty easy with a small chisel as well.

Richard,
you can take a punch and hit that pin sideways and it should snap off and then your wrench will fit. . Why in the world they used those on a vehicle is a wonder. good luck

waldo

This similar? What does that thing do ? Must be for firing or timing or injector operation?

They make them that way so you have to go to the dealer ....

but that's why God made angle grinders and duct tape !

davidmcbeth3 wrote: This similar? What does that thing do ? Must be for firing or timing or injector operation?

It monitors the air intake so you get the right amount of fuel/air mixture. They are on every car as far as I know.

They make them that way so you have to go to the dealer ....

I can see what their use is now that that someone mentioned it was for security because with the other ones you can use a regular phillips or flathead in a pinch.

Flyer5 wrote:
Usually the little pin breaks off pretty easy with a small chisel as well.

It's plastic piece it attaches so I'm not messing with it, as I understand this is even more important with the supercharger and the OEM replacement is like $300.

I'll spend the 25 cents on the bit, just a PITA having to go to the store for something like this.

On top of all that.... they break! Twice now I have broken a "security bit" while trying to remove a fastener. Grrrrr. A hole in the center removes their strength.

Freddy wrote:On top of all that.... they break! Twice now I have broken a "security bit" while trying to remove a fastener. Grrrrr. A hole in the center removes their strength.

Yes indeed. The hole certainly takes away their strength.

Hey Richard........my Snap-On guy comes in here on Wednesdays. I can probably get you a whole set for $350.00.......

Rick

I'll be buying the 25 cent version.

All I want to know is how you can live as many years as you have and this is the first time you have ever encountered a security or tamper resistant torx? You do need to get out more.