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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Nickbat on 28 December 2006, 11:45:57

Title: Triangular screws????
Post by: Nickbat on 28 December 2006, 11:45:57
Bought my 2-year old a Thomas the Tank Engine playset for Christmas. He and his 5-year old sister were having huge fun with it until....Thomas developed a final drive problem. Motor works fine but the drive to the bogies is intermittent. Figured the problem may be due to the amount of fluff and other debris caught up round the axles. No problem too big (or too small!) to tackle, I thought, so with a cry of "Don't worry, Daddy will fix it" out came the toolbox. Then to my horror, I found that Thomas is held together with a mixture of Philips crosshead screws and, wait for it, TRIANGULAR-HEADED screws.  :o :o :o

Who invented these things? What's wrong with slotted, cross head and torx? Grrr!

Anyone know where I can get the appropriate screwdiver?
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Jimbob on 28 December 2006, 11:53:40
Try maplin, I have the same thomas and thought bloody hell!
ive a box of most security bits, but not sure i have any triangular ones.
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: TheBoy on 28 December 2006, 11:55:28
just a new security screw, as everyone now has security torx drivers...
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: CaptainZok on 28 December 2006, 12:38:38
Have a mooch on fleabay for security bits I'm sure there will be some on there, failing that machine mart.
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Phil on 28 December 2006, 12:45:14
Quote
Anyone know where I can get the appropriate screwdiver?

My toolbox  ;D

They sell them in Screwfix (http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=100193&ts=09760&id=18983)

Click and have a look, think its the bottom left 2,3 or 4 the one your after  ;D
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: iggy21uk on 28 December 2006, 13:01:24
Bought a set from fleabay - 100 security bit - quality bit iffy - but to intend using them very often

Same as this set? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/100-Pc-SECURITY-POWER-BITS-SCREWDRIVER-BITS-SET_W0QQitemZ160066329344QQihZ006QQcategoryZ20792QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160066329344

But does not have any tri-angle bits - does have various size ' tri - wing ' bits

Do you mean 'tri - wing ' ?
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Jimbob on 28 December 2006, 13:11:53
That looks exactly like the set I have (100 bit one, from maplin I think)
I know the set, and the screwhead, and dont think any will fit,  not at home to try though.
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Martin_1962 on 28 December 2006, 13:50:15
How are you supposed to service them now?

One look at the chassis on my latest purchase and I would not risk dismantling, and I have built chassis! :o
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Nickbat on 28 December 2006, 14:07:44
Quote
Bought a set from fleabay - 100 security bit - quality bit iffy - but to intend using them very often

Same as this set? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/100-Pc-SECURITY-POWER-BITS-SCREWDRIVER-BITS-SET_W0QQitemZ160066329344QQihZ006QQcategoryZ20792QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160066329344

But does not have any tri-angle bits - does have various size ' tri - wing ' bits

Do you mean 'tri - wing ' ?

This is the offending screwhead:

(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n270/v6nick/trianglescrew.jpg)
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: CaptainZok on 28 December 2006, 15:11:46
Maybe a trip back to the toyshop for a new Thomas.
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: iggy21uk on 28 December 2006, 15:53:32
Nope - None like that in my 100 piece set. Google does not find  those either.

Did find them here - http://www.mcmaster.com

Search for  item number - 5941A13
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Nickbat on 28 December 2006, 16:14:37
Quote
Nope - None like that in my 100 piece set. Google does not find  those either.

Did find them here - http://www.mcmaster.com

Search for  item number - 5941A13

Yep, that's what I need. Pity it's in the US - wouldn't be worthwhile importing it. If I could locate a cheap one one in the UK I'd buy it as I'm always repairing broken toys.  :(
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: iggy21uk on 28 December 2006, 16:37:29
Not sure if its the correct size, also I could not figure it out how to add to basket?

At least they are in the UK

http://www.toolfastdirect.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2etoolfastdirect%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fSafe_Secure_Shopping%2ehtml&WD=pg322d&PN=Triangular_Security_Screw_Hex_Bits%2ehtml%23apg322d#apg322d
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Chopsdad on 28 December 2006, 16:44:00
Why not make your own with a torx/hex bit and a grinder  :-X
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: STMO123 on 28 December 2006, 18:26:43
I'd have those b*stards out with a flat bladed screwdriver and a little persuasion ;D
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: CaptainZok on 28 December 2006, 18:54:49
If you aint gonna take it back how about filing/grinding a slot in to take a normal driver.
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: sounds2k on 28 December 2006, 18:59:38
looks like a tri-wing bit to me, the ones on a seat belt I had to strip looked the same.

Maplin to two kits - a cheaper one (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=11520&criteria=security%20screwdriver&doy=28m12) at £7.99 or a more comprehensive pricey one (http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=37794&criteria=security%20screwdriver&doy=28m12) at £19.99 that comes with a ratchet handle.

I went for the latter ... does pretty much every "secure" screw I've seen ...
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Martin_1962 on 28 December 2006, 19:31:01
Quote
Quote
Bought a set from fleabay - 100 security bit - quality bit iffy - but to intend using them very often

Same as this set? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/100-Pc-SECURITY-POWER-BITS-SCREWDRIVER-BITS-SET_W0QQitemZ160066329344QQihZ006QQcategoryZ20792QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160066329344

But does not have any tri-angle bits - does have various size ' tri - wing ' bits

Do you mean 'tri - wing ' ?

This is the offending screwhead:

(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n270/v6nick/trianglescrew.jpg)


Oh those Thomases - not the OO versions, quite possibly knackered, I suggest an upgrade to the proper one with motor iin the loco.
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Nickbat on 29 December 2006, 00:17:00
Quote
Quote
Quote
Bought a set from fleabay - 100 security bit - quality bit iffy - but to intend using them very often

Same as this set? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/100-Pc-SECURITY-POWER-BITS-SCREWDRIVER-BITS-SET_W0QQitemZ160066329344QQihZ006QQcategoryZ20792QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160066329344

But does not have any tri-angle bits - does have various size ' tri - wing ' bits

Do you mean 'tri - wing ' ?

This is the offending screwhead:

(http://)


Oh those Thomases - not the OO versions, quite possibly knackered, I suggest an upgrade to the proper one with motor iin the loco.

Someone told me tonight that they have seen the screw bits in B&Q. Might be worth a short trip to see.

Thanks to iggy21uk for the link. That may be worth a shot, although sometimes these people have minimum order value that may make it not worthwhile.

Martin, I'd love to have a proper OO version set, but frankly my little ones would wreck it within days. I aim to get a proper train set when my little boy gets to about 5 or 6.  :yI never had a train set when I was young and I've always hankered after one, even at my ripe age. There used to be a model shop nearby where they sold those really detailed tiny locos and carriages (often German or Swiss, I seem to remember) They appeared to be really well engineered and being so small, the sets didn't take up so much space. Seem to recall they were ridiculously expensive though, even in those days.  
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Martin_1962 on 29 December 2006, 11:22:25
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Bought a set from fleabay - 100 security bit - quality bit iffy - but to intend using them very often

Same as this set? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/100-Pc-SECURITY-POWER-BITS-SCREWDRIVER-BITS-SET_W0QQitemZ160066329344QQihZ006QQcategoryZ20792QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item160066329344

But does not have any tri-angle bits - does have various size ' tri - wing ' bits

Do you mean 'tri - wing ' ?

This is the offending screwhead:

(http://)


Oh those Thomases - not the OO versions, quite possibly knackered, I suggest an upgrade to the proper one with motor iin the loco.

Someone told me tonight that they have seen the screw bits in B&Q. Might be worth a short trip to see.

Thanks to iggy21uk for the link. That may be worth a shot, although sometimes these people have minimum order value that may make it not worthwhile.

Martin, I'd love to have a proper OO version set, but frankly my little ones would wreck it within days. I aim to get a proper train set when my little boy gets to about 5 or 6.  :yI never had a train set when I was young and I've always hankered after one, even at my ripe age. There used to be a model shop nearby where they sold those really detailed tiny locos and carriages (often German or Swiss, I seem to remember) They appeared to be really well engineered and being so small, the sets didn't take up so much space. Seem to recall they were ridiculously expensive though, even in those days.  

Well the UK market has completely changed in recent years, Lima went under by overcharging for cheap stuff and the market is now mainly split between Hornby and Bachmann, with Dapol also doing a bit, Peco for track, and masses of kit companies
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Martin_1962 on 29 December 2006, 11:23:38
Whoops forgot to day the battle was over quality and most cheap stuff is now branded Thomas
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: STMO123 on 29 December 2006, 19:57:13
would this be any good for Thomas?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/33-PCE-SECURITY-REMOVAL-SET-TRI-WING-TORX-ETC_W0QQitemZ150073668647QQihZ005QQcategoryZ20769QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Nickbat on 30 December 2006, 01:15:29
Quote
would this be any good for Thomas?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/33-PCE-SECURITY-REMOVAL-SET-TRI-WING-TORX-ETC_W0QQitemZ150073668647QQihZ005QQcategoryZ20769QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for that, but I don't think a tri-wing would help. It needs to be a triangular bit.
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Jimbob on 30 December 2006, 10:37:23
Success!

No1 Tri-wing bit does fit and unscrews thomas!

Get yourself that set and fix away!

Have fun
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: Nickbat on 30 December 2006, 13:36:41
Quote
Success!

No1 Tri-wing bit does fit and unscrews thomas!

Get yourself that set and fix away!

Have fun

Thanks Jimbob, I'll get one.
Title: Re: Triangular screws????
Post by: iggy21uk on 30 December 2006, 13:47:37
If you are going to try and use a tri-wing better off getting the 100% piece set I got bid price £5.29
see earlier log, it has various  tri-wing bits ? Your choice though?