Author Topic: Headlight security screw link  (Read 2104 times)

roymil

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Headlight security screw link
« on: February 15, 2022, 17:52:14 »
After investing a lot of time/trouble refurbishing my US headlights, I became a little more concerned about how easy they are to remove, even if its just protecting them from my 3yr old grandson who has just discovered screwdrivers.    I noticed an old post asking if anyone found suitable security screws for the headlight doors, and there was good discussion but no answer so I thought I would post what I found.   As others have observed, it wouldn't stop a determined thief, but maybe my grandson would get bored trying and move on to something less expensive.   -Mark

This link is for 3/4 inch #8 sheet metal security screws which seem to be a good fit for replacing M4 x 16.  If you do this, make sure to hang on to the original chrome oval-heads and carry the security bit in your trunk.

https://www.fmwfasteners.com/products/8-x-3-4-tamper-resistant-drilled-spanner-flat-head-sheet-metal-screw-18-8-stainless-steel?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=bing_SHP_cob_CTZ&utm_term=1100311769602&utm_content=bing_SHP_CTZ
Mark Miller
1968 280SL
Rode in his pagoda's first mile.

mdsalemi

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Re: Headlight security screw link
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2022, 19:20:11 »
Are we now worrying about a thief stealing headlights? That's a new one on me...
I'd be more concerned about the neighborhood I'm in if its a thing...or in the case of your grandson, having him anywhere NEAR your Pagoda with a screwdriver! Yikes!

But I digress.

If it's metric security screws one is after, than just get the real thing.

McMaster-Carr has a number of them, https://www.mcmaster.com/security-fasteners/  in the two-prong drilled spanner you show, as well as in what are called pin-Torx, and pin-hex. Of course today, the "security bits" for such fasteners are very common. I think I bought a set at Harbor Freight years ago when I added some of these to my car wash change machine. The screws are not costly but I think you need to buy them in packs of 25. Plenty of other suppliers as well.

My favorite fastener supplier these days seems to always be https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com but they don't seem to have metric security in their inventory.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
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