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Posted on 02/26/2026 3:13:09 PM PST by 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.
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I tried looking at McMaster-Carr, as they often have useful drawings of this sort of theine, but, the drawings for many of the security type bits are quite simple - at least in their pdf forms.
Oh, in case anyone is wondering, I am trying to add heat sinking to a LED light module to extend its life. Few LED lights are adequately heat sinked, and don't last for their rated lifetimes - a particular problem in summer... :-(
BTW, many sellers confuse Tri-Wing and Tri-Point bits. :-(
Yes, I have a lot of background in electrical and electronics work. :-)
Thanks in advance!!!
I’ll check in a bit later. Wifey will be home soon and I’ve not straightened out the kitchen yet!
The Amazon listing for this set says it is tri-wing.
3mm is the diameter of the shaft of the screwdriver, not the circumference - if not, the picture in misleading.
Ah, I see they have the same set in tri-point. Sorry.
I always thought these “tri-point” screwdrivers were built to make something tamper-proof. Seems they are working even better than I expected.
One of these years the electrical code should make all of their fasteners the same. Currently they use square bits, phillips head, standard slots and this crazy tri tip
Absolutely drives me nuts when changing something out around my house.
My new preference for any screw is a Torx head.
vanity...how about reddit?
Oh, in case anyone is wondering, I am trying to add heat sinking to a LED light module to extend its life. Few LED lights are adequately heat sinked, and don’t last for their rated lifetimes - a particular problem in summer... :-(
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I have a large ‘corn’ type led yard light that came with a muffin type fan built in. I had one before that had too short a life span before the leds started to fail. I agree heat is a killer for the led.
Can you carefully file the bit down until it fits? Maybe use a cheap bit if you don't want to sacrifice a good one.
I hear you.
Why don’t we reinvent the wheel too while we’re at it.
“Are these dimensions correct for tri-point (”Y”) screwdrivers or bits?” Always liked torx bits because I could never find the right size.
“”Wifey will be home soon and I’ve not straightened out the kitchen yet!””
IOW, you’re saying you have spread your equipment/tools all over the kitchen....Get to it!!
Have you tried Mouser, Digi-key or Grainger?
They are not supposed to deter the technicians though!
Either one supplier or the other has mislabeled their product...
Me too before that was Thompson. I have several bit sets one with must be a 100 bits that fit screws that I will never see. Apple on their M4 Mac Mini uses a Torx 3,4,5,8 hate it You have to go to the 1/4 inch driver to get down that small. Most of the small ones look like needles on the end to old eyes.
Right - and they confuse the issue in the listings too... :-(
I built a 320 foot long fence last summer and I used Torx screws to hang the pickets. Over 3000 of them. Worked great!
Heh, that’s one reason why I have a good lighted magnifying glass and one of those round lights with a 6” glass lens in the middle. And I got those a long time B4 I was even “old”. The latter goes back 40 years - and I replaced the “Circline” fluorescent bulb with a better LED element a few years ago. :-)
Not yet. Once I’d “whiffed” on / at McMaster-Carr, and about 10 different ways of asking via web searches, I figured I’d take a shot here...
I do still have an account at Digi-Key, though, so I might try ‘em...
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