Locking Licence Tag Bolts

[Q451990]

Probably not something everyone here has been searching for, but I found these cool locking bolts at Advance Auto. I've been using allen screws for the rear plate for a while now, but they're not a cap head style, so someone could still get a set of pliers on them. I guess if someone wants the tag they'll get it, but at least they'll have to work for it. My goal is for the crackhead that wants to steal a plate will move on to the next car with phillips screws.

In any case, these are stainless, and have a pin in the middle of the allen screw socket, so you have to use the special alen wrench to get them off. After sitting in the DMV for over an hour to get a plate for my truck, these seemed like a great deal at $2.99.

Heath

[szh]

and have a pin in the middle of the allen screw socket, so you have to use the special alen wrench to get them off.

The "pin in the middle" screws are called Torx, I believe. They are commonly used by telephone guys to seal down the distribution boxes at houses - don't want the home owners messing with the wires!

If you need Torx wrenches, try an electronics store rather than an automotive store, although it looks like one is included at the place you mention above (the price was $4.70 though).

Z

[szh]

Please ignore this one ... I can't delete it!

Z

[Q451990]

No problem... torx is a different type driver (looks more like a star than an octogon). I've seen the same bolt on the network interface on my phone line too... wonder if the wrench in the kit works?

Heath

[Eswift]

i was taught that screw head is called a "plug in socket"

torx makes plug in socket fasteners too, they are called "torx security drive" as far as i know.

my favourite is spanner head:

[Q451990]

Yeah... that would be the ultimate locking bolt. Do you know of anyone that sells them in the right size?

Heath

[Jberger]

Lowes.

I'm not sure they still have them, but I bought a bunch a few years ago for a new LAN/WAN project in an urban school district. We had to bolt down and alarm EVERYTHING.

Sometimes they would steal the copper grounding blocks before we could even get the grounds tied down.

Spanner heads are nice, but be careful on application. If the application calls for tourqing the head, you'll need a Secure Torx instead.