Manufacturers using Tamper Proof Screws on equipment I Bought and Own
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So-called "tamper-proof" screws aren't designed to keep everyone out, they're just intended to discourage the amateurs. To that end, they're probably effective enough for manufacturers to keep using them.
Well, I would agree with that. At the same time tools should be available to the Non Amateurs.
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Well, I would agree with that. At the same time tools should be available to the Non Amateurs.
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Hi, We all know those screws with no Star, Slot, Philips op Posidrive self tapping screws. Star(Torque) and Hex Drives with a pip in the centre to stop me inserting a standard tool to undo the screw. The question is 'Why' manufacturers go to this length. I am talkin about small domestic appliances, for instance Irons and Toasters. It has been mentioned that they try to protect a patent inside. Well, if I was after discovering an important patent, I would go to the Patents Office, and request the Patent Documentation. Moreover, if I indeed wanted to look inside to see how it works, a hacksaw and an angle grinder would in most if not all cases give me access to the innards. Another reason that has been mentioned is 'Consumer Safety' That comes into play were voltages seriously higher than 240/380 Volt come into play. Historically, a Colour CRT had a voltage applied in the range of around 40kV. Never seen tamper proof screws used in these scenario's. Another app is the Power Supply in a Microwave Oven, which uses a Voltage Multiplier Stack to generate voltages between 4 and 16 kV. Never found any security screws there either. A Further reason stated was: 'No User Serviceable Parts Inside', in other words, This is Our Area, Don't Go There. That is the most annoying one. I do not rent the appliance, I Bought it, and I own it. It is for me to do with as I wish, modify it as I wish, and accepting that as soon as I open or modify it, that I am out on my own, and that factory guarantees are null and void. All in all, I do not accept that I should be locked out of an appliance I have bought, by tamperproof screws. Running a Laundrette for 20 years, Irons fail, mostly because of a temperature over run, and the thermal fuse failing. A Steam Generator Iron? All works on 220/240 Volt. Nothing of extreme danger there. Fit a New Thermal Fuse and the item will work again. By fitting tamper proof screws, the manufacturer makes such repair difficult, if not impossible. We get on average a Year out of an Iron by repairing. On average each Iron needs 3 repairs in it's one year life, before it is written off and dismantled for spares. Tamperproof Screws work against the motto of 'Repair, Re-Use, Re-Cycle' -
Bram van Kampen
www.mcmaster.com and search for tamper-resistant-torx-bits they will set you free! --Bob
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www.mcmaster.com and search for tamper-resistant-torx-bits they will set you free! --Bob
Thanx Bob, There is no issue with tamper resistant torx bits, they are readily available here, and I have a suitable set. it is a three winged Philips bit, of 3 inch length. [McMaster-Carr](http://www.mcmaster.com) does not seem to stock that one either. Thanks for your reply,
Bram van Kampen
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Aren't they?--provided that a "non-amateur" is defined as someone who doesn't mind spending money on a more complete tool kit.
Well, If you had read the complete thread, you would realise that the issue is not one of money, but the fact that a suitable tool is just not for sale
Bram van Kampen
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There is a Right to Repair[^] movement in the US that is trying to stop manufacturers from preventing owners from repairing things. In the US, it's state-by-state legislation. Right now, Nebraska's legislation[^] is the one most under fire. Its amusing to see what excuses and rationalizations the corporations come up with.
I live in Oregon, and I'm an engineer.
Well, Good for Nebraska. Unfortunately I do not live there, I live in Northern Ireland. There is So Far, no equivalent organisation here. Having said that I fully agree with the sentiment, and wish you all success in the future.
Bram van Kampen
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Well, If you had read the complete thread, you would realise that the issue is not one of money, but the fact that a suitable tool is just not for sale
Bram van Kampen
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But then, given enough money and motivation, you will find those ever elusive tools, even when they're not for sale at your local Home Hardware.
No, Not Really In the end, I designed a tool, and got it made in an engineering shop. Regards,
Bram van Kampen
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I wouldn't worry. Looking at the mechanics in the average motor repair place - they are unlikely to have done a better job. In fact - most likely you would take extra care if this was your first time to fix this - compared to people who do it every day and become desensitized to the risks. True story, friend of mine did his own electrical wiring when he built a house. The inspector confronted him and said that it was obvious that it had not been done by an electrician. My friend buckled and told the truth. How did you know, he asked? The wiring was too perfect. Real electricians are as rough as guts. Technically - you are not legally allowed to change your own light bulbs. The world has gone mad. We try way to hard to wrap each other in cotton wool.
Well, my Friend (as you call me) There is a lot of difference between wiring a house, and to diagnose the state of a motive car battery. For starters, the main risk of wiring your own house incorrectly is probably your own house, family, and neighbours getting hurt injured or killed. A Mis diagnosed faulty propulsive car battery can act as a bomb, as destructive as a car bomb set off by a terrorist. There is thus a difference. As for changing Light Bulbs: Yes, the consumer can change these, the law is clear about that in the UK. I have absolutely No Idea about US Law. Don't live there, and have no intentions of ever going there. In the larger frame of the discussion, the way forward is not by having 'Secret Tools'
Bram van Kampen
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Thanx Bob, There is no issue with tamper resistant torx bits, they are readily available here, and I have a suitable set. it is a three winged Philips bit, of 3 inch length. [McMaster-Carr](http://www.mcmaster.com) does not seem to stock that one either. Thanks for your reply,
Bram van Kampen
Ifixit has the bit you need. I have one in a driver case I bought from them. They have some nice tools. Support them if you can, they provide a lot of instruction for DIY repairs.