Are these dimensions correct for tri-point ("Y") screwdrivers or bits?

Me | 2/26/2026 | Paul R.

[Paul R.]

I have yet another(!) electronics' modification project going, and ran across a slight dilemma: None of my several "Security Bit" sets have a bit that fits the Tri-Point (or "Y") screw heads in the gear to be modified, even though 2 sets do have Tri-Point bits. However, I found this screwdriver set on Amazon:

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/5113Evt3D0L._AC_SL1000_.jpg

The question is, looking at that image, are those the correct diameters for the "Y" designation given? Basically, the 3mm for example, would be very close to the circumference of the outer circle the "fins"* of the bit would define.

I ask this question because the dimension of the bit labelled "Y2" in the set I already have is close to 3.82 mm diameter - and is a little too large to fit in the screws I need to pull out. A bit in my set labelled Y1 is ~1.68 mm diameter, and is too small for these screws.

[Paul R.]

Haha - there was SOME element to that, but, mostly I have my workbench in my shop going again, esp. now that it's easier & cheaper, to keep it warm, due to warmer weather here. (Another project is to run a 250 volt line to the workbench area for a bigger heater! Sometimes I think I put as much work into that shop as I do work [projects] in it.)

Honestly? It was my turn to do the dishes, too...

[Paul R.]

A lot of these shapes are to discourage tampering. Of course, I’d tamper a lot less if these manufacturers made more reliable products.

[Paul R.]

No, I think they are showing the “bit” diameters. Look at the 1.5 mm driver (Y000).

Granted that the shaft diameter can be important too. If it is bigger than the bit diameter, the recess the screw head is in may prevent the bit from ever reaching the screw head - because the shaft hung up in the recess “shaft”. Been there, done that. Among other similar headaches. :-(

[Paul R.]

ANOTHER account to keep track of...

[trebb]

Personally, I would order the set - they seem to cover the most likely sizes - and one of those sizes is right between the 2 of yours that are either too small or too big.

[bert]

Hmmm.... I had never heard of such so I looked it up......

Type Y screwdriver bits (also called Y-type, tri-point, trigram, or sometimes Y-tri-wing) feature a three-pronged “Y” shape that meets at the center. They are a security/tamper-resistant drive type, often used in electronics (like game consoles, laptops, appliances, and some Apple products), toys, and equipment to discourage casual disassembly.There is no single universal standard for sizing (unlike Phillips or standard Torx), so manufacturers vary in labeling. Bits are commonly designated in two main ways:Numerical designations (most common in precision/electronics repair sets): Y000, Y00, Y0, Y1, Y2, etc.
Metric diameter designations (common in professional/industrial tools): Y2.0, Y2.5, Y3.0, Y4, Y5, Y6, etc. (referring to approximate point-to-point or wing span in mm).

Common Type Y Bit SizesHere are the most frequently available and used sizes, with approximate correspondences based on tool catalogs, repair kits, and manufacturer data (e.g., from Wiha, iFixit-style sets, and common Amazon/eBay listings):Y000 or Y1.5 / 1.5mm — Very small; used in tiny screws (e.g., some iPhone or watch repairs).
Y00 or Y2.0 / 2.0mm — Small; common in electronics and game controllers.
Y0 or ~2.5mm — Slightly larger small size.
Y1 or Y3.0 / 3.0mm — Medium-small; frequent in laptops, consoles (e.g., Nintendo/Sony).
Y2 or ~4.0–5.0mm — Medium; one of the most common general sizes.
Y2.5 — Intermediate (less common but listed by some brands like Wiha).
Y3 — Larger medium.
Y4 — Common larger size (often ~4–5mm span).
Y5 — Larger; used in appliances or bigger security screws.
Y6 or ~6.0mm — Among the largest standard.
Y8 — Occasional very large variant (seen in some sets).

Smaller sizes (Y000–Y1) are typical for consumer electronics, while larger ones (Y4+) appear in industrial or appliance applications. Some sets label purely by mm (e.g., 4mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm), and others mix notations.Quick Comparison Table of Common Equivalents(Note: These are approximate cross-references; always match to your specific screw head for best fit.)Numerical Label
Approx. Metric (mm)
Typical Use/Example
Y000
~1.5mm
Ultra-small electronics
Y00
~2.0mm
Phones, small gadgets
Y0
~2.5mm
Controllers, toys
Y1
3.0mm
Laptops, consoles
Y2
~4.0–5.0mm
General security screws
Y3
Larger medium
Appliances
Y4
~5–6mm
Bigger devices
Y5
~5.5–6mm
Industrial/equipment
Y6
6.0mm+
Larger security

If you’re working on a specific device (e.g., iPhone, Nintendo Switch, or appliance), the exact size is often listed in repair guides like iFixit. Sets usually come in 4–10 piece kits covering the popular range (e.g., Y0–Y5 or Y2.0–Y6). Bits are typically 1/4” hex shank for use in drivers or drills, and many are magnetic.If this is for a particular repair or you have a photo of the screw/bit, provide more details for a precise match!

[Paul R.]

Oh, that - another AI answer (not Brave’s, that I used) is interesting, as:

· “Tri-point” and “Tri-Wing” are actually different shapes (in their details).

· Neither of the designations of my set (bits) nor the listing (”screwdrivers” in the image I linked to, from Amazon) match the sizes listed.

· What a mess!

It appears ISO really needs to step in and create a real standard for these various 3-point bits. Probably it should just follow the iFixit guidelines and then more clearly define (with precise drawings published in pdf format) Tri-Point vs. Tri-Wing.

It appears that at present, to reliably “cover the bases” for Tri-Point screws, one needs to buy multiple sets of drivers and hopefully come up with bits or screwdrivers that in the sizes from 4mm down are increment by 0.5mm steps, and, if needed, from 4mm up, are increment by 1.0 mm steps.

Thanks, and... Sheesh!

[Paul R.]

BTW, what platform did you use to get that reply, and wouldn’t I have to “scale” the picture? A very good picture I can get. Easiest to measure would be the OD of the screw head — I can measure that fairly reliably to within 0.0005” — assuming the “head” is that round. (eye-roll)

Thanks!

[Paul R.]

Personally, I would order the set - they seem to cover the most likely sizes - and one of those sizes is right between the 2 of yours that are either too small or too big.

Yes, that's becoming my conclusion too. I should ask wifey and daughter-san if there is anything they need from Amazon - to get up to the free shipping. Wifey's computer could use more SDRAM, but, golly it's high priced at present. :-(

Thanks, and thanks to all who replied with useful info. and support!

[Scrambler Bob]

https://www.ifixit.com/Tools

[bert]

The response is from Grok.
I am a tremendous fan of Elon Musk.

It was interesting that your product manufacturer went to some trouble to prevent anyone lacking the exact proper tool to crack it.

I thought the table near the end listing the various type Y’s might be of help to you.

I’m supposed to know stuff and this was all new to me.

[Paul R.]

Noted, but, if IFIXIT doesn’t have the item to be worked on in its database, one is SOL. As is the case here.

More important to me, although IFIXIT is supposed to be a sort of default reference for these Tri-Point screwdrivers’ or bits’ dimensions, so far as I can tell, they publish no drawings with full dimensions to go by. A dimensionless image is not a lot of help, here, and then to make it worse, other tool vendors seem to be all over the map, so to speak.

Then there is the general confusion about Tri-Point vs. Tri-Wing.

Like I said, what a mess. :-(

[Paul R.]

The response is from Grok. I am a tremendous fan of Elon Musk.

Noted and thanks!

I may try Grok to research further. :-)

It was interesting that your product manufacturer went to some trouble to prevent anyone lacking the exact proper tool to crack it.

IMO, this has become very common. I suppose a lot of it stems from liability lawsuits.

The days when a an appreciable portion of our population could fix fairly simple items seem to be in the dust. :-(

I thought the table near the end listing the various type Y’s might be of help to you.

The table is indeed useful: Thanks! I've copied it to my Hard Drive (and also to my laptop), but that leaves the problem of the tool vendors / manufacturers being all over the map...

I’m supposed to know stuff and this was all new to me.

Roger on that one! Or to be more correct, I thought I sort of knew, and didn't know what a mess this one was.

It's frustrating, but I've grown to sort of accept this sort of thing, and more, at least in regards to myself: I figure I'll be lucky to know 2% of what I wanted to know, before either I die or my mind turns to mush.

There is a real pearl of wisdom near the end of the final episode of Babylon 5, where the aged Sheridan, moments before the end of his life (as we know it), and knowing he's dying, says to billions of years old "Lorien",

"There is still so much I don't understand."

Lorien replies, comfortingly, "As it should be."