What Kind Of Screw Is This? (Keep It Clean!)

[Ross]

I was trying to take off my MAF the other day just to check it out. It looks like it's held in with Torx type screws, but each screw has a little "bump" in the middle that keeps the screwdriver from going into the hole. What the heck is going on? How do you unscrew the thing?

[RoyLPita]

You need a Safety Torx bit that has the hole in it. The size #'s are also odd ( like 27). I first saw those on my '88 T-Bird when I had to change the ignition switch. Is that CLEAN enough for ya???

[Ross]

Thanks, Roy. I now have an excuse to buy more toys! :beer:

[fastblackmerc]

You need a Safety Torx bit that has the hole in it. The size #'s are also odd ( like 27). I first saw those on my '88 T-Bird when I had to change the ignition switch. Is that CLEAN enough for ya???
They are actually "tamper resistant" torx screws. Look for a "TR-x" where x is the number of your torx bit. You'll also see the small hole in the business end of the bit.

[hitchhiker]

I was trying to take off my MAF the other day just to check it out. It looks like it's held in with Torx type screws, but each screw has a little "bump" in the middle that keeps the screwdriver from going into the hole. What the heck is going on? How do you unscrew the thing?
You need some 'security' driver heads to work with these screws. They are sold as a set like this on ebay:

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/51/51407/SO-7519SD.jpg

a link...

http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/43612776888080_0.jpg (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20769&item=4361277688&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

Regards,

David

[glassman99]

If its out there, it's on EBay

[Blue03]

Funny thing. I went hunting for the same tool so I could clean the MAF sensor on my 95 GMLS HPP daily driver this past week end. It needed a #20 bit with the hole in it. I didn't want to buy a whole bunch of bits and spend extra $$ but found a 10 pc set by POWERBUILT at a local Schucks Auto store for $7.49. The part # was 646501. If you go to the web site Try This (http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?mfrcode=PBI&mfrpartnumber=646501) you may be able to find a store near you. Might save you a few bits! Also if you want a MAF cleaning proceedure I found this Clean MAF (http://www.crownvic.net/tech/cleanmaf.html) helpfull. I add one more step by disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes to reset the ECM or whatever. Hope it helps!

[mtnh]

I just had to buy a small set of these last week, Let me tell you something. Do NOT go to NAPA to buy these things. They cleaned me out of $22.99 for a set of 5 or 6 bits. I was speechless, but I needed to buy them fast. If you see them at a bargain price, buy them then, don't wait until you need to find one fast.


In the past, I have slotted the middle of a cheap flathead screwdriver with good success for fairly small security torx screws by using a thin jeweler's file and getting a slot started in the screwdriver tip, then making it deeper with a hacksaw.

Mike