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Step 3Security Fasteners
There are basically two types of security fasteners - tamper-proof and tamper-resistant. Several tamper-resistant drive types were created and were originally intended to be tamper-proof. See the "Tamper-Proof Screw Myth" below.
Tamper-Resistant Screws
Most security fasteners including Phillips, TORX®, and Hexagonal, are also manufactured in tamper-resistant form. These are screws, bolts, nuts and fasteners that are difficult to remove but not as unique in design and application as the tamper-proof fasteners. They offer a good level of security because a special tool other than your standard Phillips or slot-type screwdriver is needed to remove them. They are also very popular as they can be purchased in small quantities from most security parts distributors and are considerably cheaper than tamper-proof fasteners.
However, the bits for many tamper-resistant screw heads are now readily available from hardware stores, tool suppliers and through the Internet. There are many commonly used techniques to extract tamper resistant screws without the correct driver, like using an alternative driver that can achieve enough grip to turn the screw; modifying the head of one drive to work on a tamper-resistant drive, and others. These special screws offer only modest security.
Tamper-Proof Drives
There are specialty fastener companies that make unusual, proprietary head designs, featuring matching drivers available only from them, and only supplied to registered owners. An example of this would be the attachment for the wheels and/or spare tires of some types of car; one of the nuts may require a specialized socket (provided with the car) to prevent theft. Some examples of these fasteners are Uniqz®, Keyed-Lok® and Penta-Plus® tamper-proof fasteners from Bryce Fasteners.
The Tamperproof Screw Myth
Tamperproof screws are not as tamper proof as people think. Beyond marketing claims, most drive styles are no longer really tamper-proof. The reason is that most security screw bits have become easily obtainable, and there are tens-of-thousands in circulation. Seems almost everyone has some.
Security screws have been in existence for 50 years and most are without patent protection. "Tamperproof" bits are being manufactured, imported, and widely distributed, without restraint. There are many thousands outlets and catalogues in circulation marketing security bits and with this ease of access it has made Torx-pin®, Hex-pin®, Phillips-pin®, Spanner, Triwing®, Tri-Groove®, Gamer screws and One-Way screws "vandal-proof" only. "Tamperproof screws" are mostly a myth.
Pin type screws can usually be removed by using a hammer and an awl/nail/knife/etc and knocking the pin one way and then the other until it snaps out, thus leaving you with the non-security version.
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just weld a piece of metal on it and unscrew it =P
Tell me if this won't work on a screw, i would love to try it myself!
~hope this helps someone
I believe the intent of tamper proof or tamper resistant is to discourage average vandalism. Of course almost any screw can be bypassed eventually but your average vandal won't go to the lengths of welding, grinding, drilling, or carrying several specialised tools, etc.