Weird Torx screw: need to open Seagate external drive

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Rodgre
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Weird Torx screw: need to open Seagate external drive

Post by Rodgre » Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:21 pm

I have a Seagate external drive from a few years back and it's acting up. I'd like to put the drive, itself, into a new enclosure to see if I can salvage it. The problem is that I can't open the enclosure because it uses those tamper-proof Torx screws with 5-points and a pin in the center. Am I going to have to make a screw driver by hand with a Dremel tool or something in order to pop this baby open?

Has anyone else had to deal with this sort of screw?

Roger

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Post by Scodiddly » Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:52 pm

You could just cut slots for a regular screwdriver with a Dremel tool and those little abrasive cutting wheels.

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Rodgre
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Post by Rodgre » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:03 pm

I could if the screws weren't sunk 1/2" into the enclosure. I might have to completely destroy this enclosure, might I?

Roger

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Post by djimbe » Wed Jan 21, 2009 4:42 am

You should be able to get the proper Torx driver at your local auto supply store. Yeah, another damn tool to buy...
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Post by Milkmansound » Wed Jan 21, 2009 8:28 am

I have a little red kit with 100 different hex screwdriver bits that I got at a hardware store for like, $10. It even comes with security bits so I can completely dismantle a mens room if I feel like it.

I recommend finding one of those you'll have every bit under the sun and no mystery screw will be able to stop you at that point.
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Rodgre
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Post by Rodgre » Wed Jan 21, 2009 6:55 pm

I do have a set of normal Torx drivers. It's those security drivers that apparently are only available in very tightly-monitored amounts to manufacturers using these screws. Can I REALLY find those through consumer channels? I didn't think I could.

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Post by Scodiddly » Wed Jan 21, 2009 7:49 pm

Actually you can buy the cheapo set of "security bits" just about anywhere these days. Not sure about Torx with 5 points instead of 6, though.

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Post by The Scum » Wed Jan 21, 2009 10:41 pm

Doesn't look like my first couple of places have the 5-point bits...

Google gives me (hunting for 5-point security torx):

http://www.c5racer.com/catalog/product_ ... googlebase

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-Point- ... 1003r26504

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Post by archwisp » Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:57 am

I bought a set like this at Walmart a few years ago:

http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(hit02 ... GoogleBase

The have the hole in the center for the security screws

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