When a Phillips is not a Phillips Plus So Much More!

Step 31: TP3® Triangular Recess Security

TP3® is a new triangular recessed drive offers great security. You may be able to make my own by filing down a 6-sized hex bit, but they never fit or work very well. These security bits are being used on an increasing number of products; Nintendo, Gameboy; Fast Food promotional toys and video games; Die-cast toys; Roomba battery packs. There are four sizes; A=0.079" A=0.091" A=0.106" A=0.126". See Gamer Drives.

Comments

[wjcarpenter]

If you ever need one of those triangle Happy Meal screwdrivers in a big hurry, you're not going to find one at your local hardware store.  Not to worry.  Just use a 6-side Torx of a nice size that fits snugly.  Two of the six points of the Torx driver will touch each side of the triangular screw cutout.  (Yeah, yeah, experience....)

[arcticpenguin]

Using that theory so would an allen key.  Possibly handier.

[jeff]

I thought that as well, but it turns out that an allen key, no matter how snug a fit, simply cams out. Using a torx, you have to bear down to prevent it from doing so as well, but it *is* possible. Just be careful not to munge up the screw.

I wouldn't want to make a habit of taking out the same screw repeatedly using this method, but it worked for me in a pinch. Thanks for the tip wjcarpenter!

[Wally_Z]

For almost any security bit, you can use the right size flathead screwdriver to open it.

[Dodgy]

How confusing! 4 sizes are all called "A" !!
Also, the picture of the bit appears to be a Hex/Allen! Hard to tell.