Strange bolt

[Cheeky Girl]

Hi

Sorry next question busy day on boat yesterday



When removing Chartplotter, I realised that a screw on the Binnacle was not properly threaded into nut.
So manually undid it.

When to tightening it up and realised it looks like an Allen key but with a pin in the middle.

Where can I get something to tighten it up or am I better replacing it with a "normal" bolt.

Thanks for any help
Graham

 

[Poignard]

Tamper resistant hex keys.

I think I bought mine on eBay.

Cromwell Tools - Experts in Hand Tools, Power Tools and PPE

 

[Skipper_Christoph]

Tamper resistant screw. Tools for these are available in every hardware store

 

[sailorbenji]

Also called a "security Allen" / "security hex" screw....you can buy specific bits for these that go in one of the universal drivers...or more normal Allen keys with a hole drilled centrally.

If in a pinch, and have a drill press ideally, you can simply drill a small hole in the centre of a standard Allen key.

 

[Old Harry]

ebay 6 Point Star Bit Tamper Proof Security Set AML3220 Hand Tools,Transparent,1 Size

 

[Skipper_Christoph]

Tamper resistant hex keys.

I think I bought mine on eBay.

Cromwell Tools - Experts in Hand Tools, Power Tools and PPE

Beat me

 

[Poignard]

Beat me

You'll have to pay me.

 

[sailorbenji]

That link is to torx bits though, I think the OP has a hex, not torx...albeit a bit worn.

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Every self respecting thief has a set of tools that will sort it out.

 

[neilf39]

Managed to get any I have come across out with a screwdriver blade of the right size wedged down one side between the pin and 2 sides of the hex. In fact you can break the pin out that way on the smaller ones so an ordinary allen key then works. Mum's microwave had them and I needed to replace the turntable motor and did not have the right tools handy. I guess it may stop someone with no DIY/Bodging skills.

 

[PCUK]

Fit a new bolt!

 

[Cheeky Girl]

Thanks for the help key ordered

 

[langstonelayabout]

Fit a new bolt!

Just like I did a few years ago when dealing with the same situation, albeit you have to undo them first to access the back of the instruments in the panel before using normal stainless fastenings to reassemble it.

I'd like to kick the shins of the person who thought up this 'good idea'. Pillock.

 

[Boathook]

Toolstation do a draper set for £5.99. Mine get most use in trying to repair household appliances .....

 

[DownWest]

Toolstation do a draper set for £5.99. Mine get most use in trying to repair household appliances .....

I bought a set that had the ones with the holes to tackle the pin screws, along with the ones I wanted. Now, where can one find the ends to match the triangular anti fiddle screws?

 

[penberth3]

I bought a set that had the ones with the holes to tackle the pin screws, along with the ones I wanted. Now, where can one find the ends to match the triangular anti fiddle screws?

For a similar price you should be able to find a set of small hex bits which includes the triangle. These bits are smaller than the usual 1/4" hex, often in a 31-piece set with handle, IIRC. Search ebay for "31-piece precision screwdriver set" or something like that.

 

[penberth3]

Hi

Sorry next question busy day on boat yesterday

View attachment 86067

When removing Chartplotter, I realised that a screw on the Binnacle was not properly threaded into nut.
So manually undid it.

When to tightening it up and realised it looks like an Allen key but with a pin in the middle.

Where can I get something to tighten it up or am I better replacing it with a "normal" bolt.

Thanks for any help
Graham

Your question has been answered, but if you're stuck and don't mind a bit of bodging you could file a couple of small flats on the edges of the bolt head. Then use pliers, spanner, adjustable or whatever.