Three cornered Philips type screwdriver

Do a search for security or tamperproof screwdriver bit, it will bring up a number of options.

Brian - try searching for "tri-lobe" or "tri-wing". Cheapest may be a bit set such as this one.

Dave

Try a quick google search for "tri-wing" screwdrivers or bits. Lots of places stock them, Amazon, Cromwell, Screwfix, Maplins possibly, it will depend on what's local to you. I bought a set of various "security bits" from Maplins, I think, that includes the tri-wing variety. One issue you might find is that as well as using the tri-wing design they are often in quite deep counterbores so it can be a bit if an issue actually getting the screwdriver deep enough to make contact. I've certainly found that using the 6mm hex screwdriver bits, the holder is too big to go down the counterbore,so an ordinary screwdriver type tool might be needed, in which CPC Farnell or RS might be a better bet.

Pound shops and TKmax type places have little tool sets with those goofy fitments as well if you want to try an instant cheap option

+1 on the security bit set. I bought one from Screwfix at a very sensible price and it has got me out of trouble many times.

Thank you all for these helpful suggestions.

It is clearly the correct use of semantics that opens the door; I hadn't thought at all of tri-lobe or tri-wing.

Brian

I needed one for a job a while back, so I attacked a spare screw driver, first wit the off hand grinder, then the Dremel, I suppose it took about ten minutes.

Ian S C

Small sizes are sold on eBay as "Nintendo Screwdrivers" due to their use when repairing the games.

Brian

Lidl had security bit sets on sale a few weeks back which included the tri wing. Worth keeping a look out for them as they'll come round again I'm sure.

This set is available from eBay at £4.29 posted so hardly worth trying to make /alter something else. I have similar and very often comes in useful, especially the TORX drivers

Hi Brian,
Toolstation also stock these.

Screwfix also stock a few different sets. I did a search for "security bit set"

Les.

Thank you all again, a most surprising degree of response. As David Suffolk observed it might not be worth the bother of making something except for the wee problem that this wretched screw is recessed deep in the hole; a point Keith Long so astutely made.

Once the horrible thing is out it will be replaced with a standard self tap. So I rather fear I shall be forced to make a suitable tool to extract it after all.

But it has been an interesting little diversion even so.

Regards all round and have a good Christmas

Brian

Brian, you can get longer sets, mine are 100mm long

Do Youall across the pond have Harbor Freight?

Mark,

I don't know, maybe others do

Brian

Thank you Jason, useful to remember.

Brian

Not here in the UK, but I have visited a number of their stores in the States and had some great items from them.....

Back to the op's question, Maplin provided me with my tool set.....

Brian,

I have made one which is perfectly satisfactory for the odd screw which needs to be shifted.

Nothing more than a piece of silver steel filed with a triangular taper at the end to fit the recess in the screw. If it is the sort with a security pin in the centre then drill a small clearance hole in the end.

Harden and temper if you need to use it several times.

Alan

Alan Rudd and AJS,

Once again, thank you for your suggestions, item now made and the screw removed. I will save the tool though, it might be needed again

Brian