- Tool for Star Shaped Screws on Satellite Dish
Experienced Scrapper
I took apart a satellite dish and the screws holding the pc board are shaped like a star. What is the tool called to remove these? I got a lot of them with pliers but the others are not quite that easy. I searched the forms to no avail and want to separate this thing. Sorry no picture as no camera at moment.
Thanks in advance for any help.
They should be either Torx or safety Torx.
Experienced Scrapper
Its not torx as it looks kind of like the torx driver end.
Experienced Scrapper
OK I found it its called an inverted torx. I actual guessed it after my reply to your post and BAMN lucky guess.
Sounds like you need an E socket.
Experienced Scrapper
OK Its open exactly a year from my last poste on this. I cut a slot in the screw and used a standard screw driver to remove. Then because pliers are too big and needle nose bends I used a small dike to grab between the groves and removed the others. Last year I struggled thinking of what to do this year it took me 5 min after I pulled it out of the bucket. I used a reciprocating saw of all things to cut it because I don't have a rotary tool right now. I didn't have that saw last year though.
Well here is the photos of the low grade (OK NOT LOW) board that I struggled so hard to remove.
OVERALL PHOTO INSIDE
PICTURE OF SCREW
FROUNT SIDE
EDIT:
OK THEY DO LOOK LIKE LOW GRADE in the photo. The smaller board has a lot of gold on the underside and the top side has some.
Last edited by Sawadzkis; 04-24-2015 at 12:21 PM.
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Take the picture to a hardware store and they will direct you to the proper bit set, if I ever see anything like this I just grind it off.
Experienced Scrapper
Yea I am not buying a tool for it. I don't run into them enough and will just remove the heads once I get a grinder. Thanks though
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I use a generic screwdriver (a whole 1.49) that uses different pop in bits and the local store has replacement bits, I think they are a T-4 or T-5 and cost .99 ea. You are not putting heavy pressure on them to break the screws loose so mine has lasted a couple of years. The store I bought my bits was Menards. The screwdriver was bought at a discount/overstock store.
Experienced Scrapper
Actually I have T bits and I use a electric screw driver but it you look its inverted from a T bit. The T-4 would need to be female instead of male for it to work. I buy cheap bits and if I go through a couple of them then I switch to craftsmen so I can just replace when needed for free. I am also easy on my bits.Originally Posted by Mechanic688
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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I think this set of bits would do the job and the price is pretty reasonable.
Enkay 3033 33-Piece 1" Security Insert Bit Set with Case - Screwdriver Bit Sets - Amazon.com
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I have found that having a nice selection of security screw bits and tools as well as any other odd fastener removing tool is very handy.
With the collecting of older "video game" handhelds and systems I found that I required the special tri blade screwdrivers and bits to take the items apart for cleaning and repair without damage.
It took me awhile to find the small triangle bits for taking the small screws out of toys from the fast food places and such.
I have always enjoyed collecting odd things and I do have a very interesting selection of hobby tools and odd tools.
Bicycle spoke wrenches, tubing flaring tools, extra long skinny phillips screwdrivers for getting the screws loose on boom box speakers and such. Nail pullers and many other tools that are perfect for the job.
p.s. Thought I would add this little bit of a trick I learned for removing tiny screws that become stripped out on something you want to salvage or repair. I use a touch of quality super glue and a small nail to glue to the damaged small screw, let it set and most times it will turn out easy enough. Then find a good replacement screw if required off some other item that has the same small screws. I keep a selection of tiny and odd screws for replacements when needed.
Last edited by ChildhoodDream; 04-25-2015 at 02:10 AM.
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I have some of those bits in my larger set and if you'll notice the center hole is rounded with the torx on the outside. He needs the torx on the inside. I'll be honest, I've never come across any of those. The only ones that throw me are the small T-2 or T-3 ones, then I just use a pair of wire snippers to grip the head and spin them out.
Even at my age I can still learn something new every day, Thank you,,,
P & M Recycling - Specializing in E-Waste Recycling.
If you enjoy your freedom, thank a vet.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
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Same here Mech. The light begins to dawn. What he would need would be something like a Torx socket or wrench ?
The satellite thing threw me. I run into a lot of sky boxes and most of them have that security torx screw. They were always a pain because i didn't have the right tool and then somebody gave me a set of the security torx bits for Christmas last year. Now it's a piece of cake.
Experienced Scrapper
Yea there inverted Like I said I got them out and doubt I will run into them again. If I do I will take them out like I did this time also. This is the set I have got it 2 weeks ago when they opened a harbor freight in Lake Havasu now I am getting at least 2 tools a week, the one I buy and the free one I get with it. Yea I am getting lots of the same thing for the free one.
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Sawadzkis, yep, that's what I got about 4 years ago and they've done me well except for the occasional lost one.
Metal Recycling Entrepreneur
What is that bit right below the extension?
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It's like a short T handle driver used with the chrome piece (to the right) and snap a bit into it.
Experienced Scrapper
Picks will be back up in a day or so. I let my domain expire and just renewed it. May take a day to get things transferred back to my other place. as I register through one place and am hosted through another.
Experienced Scrapper
OK I feel better that was faster then last time
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