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!
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!
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!