My remote vac switches stopped working. I can use it for up to 5 devices, but only use on 2 saws. I removed the remotes and checked the small 12 volt batteries. Both checked fine, even tho they are years old. Next I  attempted to remove the back of the receiving unit at the 110 vac receptacle. It had the weirdest screws holding the back on. They were like phillips screws, but had only 3 branches instead of 4. I did get them off and replaced with standard screws. When I put all back in place......it worked fine. May never know why it quit.

There were no batteries in the receiving unit, it works off the 110 vac at the plug.

 

My question; Have you ever seen screws like this used before? If so, where?

Those are really weird. Someone's idea of a tamper proof screw, maybe?

Ron,

Those are referred to as security screws.

They use those thinking the average person won't try to remove them. 

I've got several different bits to fit different styles of those screws from when I worked in the electronics field.

typical tri-wing security screw. of course you could have had one of these they're more fun if they have the pin in the middle.  DAMHIKT    and you could have had one of these there are so many versions of 'security screws' 

Edited July 20, 20205 yr by p_toad

20 minutes ago, p_toad said:

they're more fun if they have the pin in the middle.

You got that right!

Thanks guys, Never seen one in my life. Seems like overkill, but who am I to say

Ron I have the remote switch for a big dust extractor and when the batteries goes bad the remote has to be taken out in to another room where the extractor is and a few buttons has to be redone along with the remote to get them speaking to each other more or less after I replace the old batteries......... I almost boxed it up and sent it to Grizzly the first time then I decided to read the instructions on both units before I did that and both time the batteries went bad I did have to recalibrate the two together......Reading the instructions did save me some postage..... Something my wife says I never read instructions on anything ever. I have had the remote about 15 or more years and only two sets of batteries so far!!! could yours have to be recalibrated also? 

Smallpatch    It is working fine and I have no problems now. I will keep that in mind if I do have 

I bought a 15 amp power strip designed for outdoor christmas lights. It came with an RF remote. That's my on/off system for the DC. 

Ron I have that same remote in our bedroom on lights and the sound machine. Comes with 3 outlet receivers, I think. Works well so far, maybe 8 years.

My bet is the batteries need replaced.  Batteries can show good but not perform under load.  See what happens in the near future.

13 hours ago, p_toad said:

they're more fun if they have the pin in the middle.  DAMHIKT   

I especially like the ones that are torx head with the pin in the middle. NOT!!! 

I think I had to pay one electronics manufacturer about $30.00 for one tip because they had a proprietary screw that was only used by them, and that was working at one of their authorized dealers shops.

I inadvertently created some tamper proof torx screws by camming them out. Eventually, I'm gonna need to transform them to slotted ones with a Dremel.

2 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

I inadvertently created some tamper proof torx screws by camming them out. Eventually, I'm gonna need to transform them to slotted ones with a Dremel.

Gene,

It's easier to drill the heads off and replace the screws. DAMHIKT 

16 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

I especially like the ones that are torx head with the pin in the middle. NOT!!! 

I think I had to pay one electronics manufacturer about $30.00 for one tip because they had a proprietary screw that was only used by them, and that was working at one of their authorized dealers shops.

Don't forget inverted torx as well.

 

I am always amazed at "security screws" because, well, https://www.harborfreight.com/security-bit-set-with-case-100-pc-68457.html

 

 

 

1 minute ago, kmealy said:

I am always amazed at "security screws" because, well, https://www.harborfreight.com/security-bit-set-with-case-100-pc-68457.html

 

 

 

I have 2 of same set. One at work, one at home.

1 hour ago, Larry Buskirk said:

Gene,

It's easier to drill the heads off and replace the screws. DAMHIKT 

Thanks, Larry. But, I don't think that's going to be possible. They are about 3/8" long and countersunk into thin carbon steel cutters. If I drilled the head off, I'm afraid there might not be enough meat left to grab. They're in the planer's Shelix head and, it's useable for now. But, in a few months, I've got to do something. 

1 hour ago, Gene Howe said:

Thanks, Larry. But, I don't think that's going to be possible. They are about 3/8" long and countersunk into thin carbon steel cutters. If I drilled the head off, I'm afraid there might not be enough meat left to grab. They're in the planer's Shelix head and, it's useable for now. But, in a few months, I've got to do something. 

In that case it might be easier to use an easy out.

You might have to grind the tip off to fit the screw.

2 hours ago, Gunny said:

Don't forget inverted torx as well.

Had those on the hub bearing for the Jeep, and of course being in the "Rust Belt" they were a bit undersize. What a PITA 

 

Edited July 21, 20205 yr by Larry Buskirk