Security News
Oval Pan Head Screws - where looks are deceiving
Mon 26th Sep 2011
In recent times, more and more of SecuritySafetyProducts.co.uk's customers have been turning to the Oval Pan Head machine security screw. When discussed, the question on most people's lips is why?
After all, the Oval Pan Head screw cannot be tightened anywhere near as far the higher-torque Pin Hex or Pin Torx security fixings. Also, the head hardly looks like it is the most sophisticated security fastener in the world. So why is its popularity on the increase?
Well the key to the Oval Pan's success is that looks are deceiving. In some ways, this screw has borrowed some tricks from nature. In the same way certain types of snakes, ladybirds or caterpillars (to name a few) adopt a colour-scheme that suggests they are tough and threatening, so does the Oval Pan Head screw.
When installed, at first glance an Oval Pan machine screw will look like a substantial and permanent rivet. Regardless of criminal intent, the screw's whole appearance is enough to deter many would-be criminals.
Moreover, unlike the often feeble creatures mentioned above, the Oval Pan Head is also very difficult to attack. Being only a few degrees away from being perfectly round, in essence only a matching Oval Pan driver socket tool will remove this screw. Anyone using more conventional pliers or a wrench will struggle to gain enough purchase or leverage to unscrew it.
Finally, the fact it can be unscrewed makes this two-way security screw far more versatile than the rivet it is mimicking. For more information on the Oval Pan Security screws, please click this blue link.
How anti-tamper screws can secure garden sheds, garages, lock-ups and commercial units
Mon 11th Jul 2011
In the last 12 months Security Safety Products has been able to buck the economic trend by achieving genuine growth. In July 2011, with this growth came the need for new premises. However, when relocating premises, we found ourselves questioning our own way of securing property - and felt the lessons we recognised could and should be passed on to regular visitors to this website.
As part of the process of moving, SSP increased its stock holding by utilising a number of secure units. This helps the business ensure turnaround times are kept to a minimum on the products that regular customers buy the most. These units are secured with heavy duty padlocks on the outside to prevent unauthorised persons from easily gaining access.
However, as one of our team retrieved some stock of shear nuts, he noticed how inadequate these padlocks were! Although it would take even a trained locksmith quite some time to get through the padlock, the hasp & Staple plates these padlocks were attached to were affixed with just standard screws....the type of screws that a flat head screwdriver could easily undo.
Although slightly embarrassed at not noticing this earlier in our first week, we felt it was issue we should share as many of our customers could have the same problem both at home and at work.
As such, we would ask any visitor to SecuritySafetyProducts.co.uk to consider the latch mechanism their padlocks are attached on to. Particularly with garden sheds, our customer's could be making it surprisingly easy for any would-be thieves to make off with bikes, lawn mowers and other valuables.
To solve the problem we would recommend two types of screws. If they could ever see a time when they would need to remove the latch then a two-way security fixing should be used. In this instance we would recommend a self-tapping Pin Hex or Pin Torx security screw as both have a relatively high torque so they can be tightened by an appropriate amount. Alternatively, if the latch is to remain a permanent fixture, then one-way clutch head security screws or Sentinel security fasteners should be used.
For more information on each security screw please follow the link highlighted above or contact us using the form on our website (click here) or ring us on 0844 997 0101.
Security Screw kit designed to prevent number plate theft
Tue 21st Jun 2011
As I pulled up to the Petrol station earlier in the week I was sat behind three men filling up an old, slightly battered sports car. With a passing thought that this car may not help them in pursuit of the opposite sex I did not think anymore of it. However, I then observed the driver step back into the vehicle and coolly pull away without even as much as a forwarding address for where to send the fuel bill!
Being a good citizen (and without wanting to pick up their tab by using the same pump!), I duly reported the incident to the staff inside. It was at this point the slightly bemused and agitated manager told me this is the third time this week.
Apparently it is increasingly common for number plates to be taken off parked vehicles, attached to an alternative car and used at petrol station forecourts. With petrol prices continuing to rise, it is right to assume so too is this type of crime.
With CCTV cameras being what they are it is difficult to imagine the law pursuing a prosecution of the hapless motorist who has had their number plates removed for this crime. However, any such incident would certainly result in numerous calls, letters and unwanted aggravation.
One really easy way to prevent motorists from being affected in this way is to replace the existing licence plate screws with one-way security fixings. Either clutch head or sentinel both can be easily affixed using a standard screwdriver. Once attached, the screws will then almost be impossible to move.
To make things easier for our cusotmers who only need four screws rather than a 10 or 100 pack, SSP has now introduced a number plate security screw pack. Containing two sets of the most used number plate Clutch head security screws, this kit could save motorists time, money and a lot of unnecassary hassle.
Sentinel Security Screws vs Clutch Heads, Clash of the One-Way Screws
Wed 27th Apr 2011
One of SecuritySafetyProduct's newer members of staff recently asked the question: "With Sentinel screws being slightly more expensive than Clutch head screws, why would anyone buy a Sentinel? After all, both are one-way security screws so both surely fulfil the same function....."
What today's article seeks to do is look at the similarities and differences between these two permanent security fixings, and highlight the benefits of each.
Firstly the similarities: As a basic introduction to these two permanent security screws, both operate in a clockwise fashion, with anti-clockwise turning prohibited due to shape of the screw head's drive recess.
Both screws can also be installed by a standard screwdriver. In the case of the Clutch-head screw it is installed by a flat head screwdriver. Arguably one of the first security screws ever made, it is both quick and easy to fit.
Building on the concept of the clutch head screw, the Sentinel can be installed using a standard Pozidriv screwdriver. For the DIY novice this is a cross head screwdriver with a slightly sharper point than a conventional ‘Phillips' screwdriver.
As for the differences between the two, the Clutch head screw can be installed using a suitable flat head screwdriver and is slightly cheaper than the patented Sentinel screw. However, with the slight increase in the pence per screw, the Sentinel comes with a list of features and benefits over its one-way rival:
Firstly the Sentinel countersunk version of the screw offers the user a perfectly flat finish. This is something the clutch head screw does not provide as it features two raised lips for the flat head screwdriver to press against.
The Sentinel also snugly fits its respective screwdriver. Without the same level of give and movement as the Clutch head screw, this means the Sentinel offers a greater torque - meaning it can be tightened beyond its Clutchhead equivalent.
Finally, and perhaps the most important point of all, the Sentinel can be tightened using an electric screwdriver or drill. Of course if you are only fixing one or two screws this is perhaps a non-issue. However, if you are fitting lots of screws, then an electric screwdriver can be a real time and energy saver.
Certainly this was a benefit to one of SecuritySafetyProducts customers when he replaced his stolen thatched roof. Using over 500 screws, it would have taken him many times longer had he used clutch heads.
For more information on one-way security screws, please contact us using this link or on 0161 797 0176.
Bespoke Security Screws from SSP
Wed 20th Apr 2011
At the back end of 2010, SecuritySafetyProducts were approached by a regular customer who had a rather unusual request.
This company was in the process of developing for one of their clients a soon-to-be patented, point of sale display stand that needed to be securely locked down. Furthermore, with technology changing rapidly in their particular sector, the contents of the stand also needs to be regularly changed and moved over time - meaning a removable, two-way security screw was essential.
However, with valuable and desirable hi tech units positioned on the display stand they felt a stand using an off-the-shelf security fixing would be vulnerable to theft by both the public and shop staff alike. Rightly, this Point of Sale company felt that even by using high security fixings such as Pin Hex or Pin Torx heads there was still a risk that their client could suffer a loss.
In answer to this problem, we put forward the unique Solok security screw system. With a 5-6 week lead time and a minimum run of 2,500 screws, this system gave our client's client a set of driver sockets and screws that are entirely unique to them. Indeed, with millions of different types of screw head types and each individual tool registered only to the owner, even someone else in possession of another Solok socket will not be able to access and remove these screws.
Finally, to ensure that aesthetically the screw worked on this high-end display, SecuritySafetyProducts also permanently blackened all their unique Solok security screws - a service that is also available on all our standard security fixings.
At the time of publication this unique display stand is in hundreds of high street stores nationwide. It has also been successfully launched to the rest of Europe through various trade shows. Greatly admired within its sector, the product is now trademarked and patented, with SecuritySafetyProducts' Solok screw right at the heart of what makes it so desirable to others.
For more information on Solok security fasteners, please follow this link to the relevant section of this website.
Could a Thermostat Cover save your organisation hundreds of pounds?
Mon 7th Feb 2011
The Carbon Trust suggests that every time a thermostat is turned up by one degree heating costs will increase by a staggering 8%. Likewise, Friends of the Earth suggests that turning the thermostat down by 1 degree could save as much as £30 a year. So with gas and electricity prices continuing to rise, it is hardly surprising in these times of austerity that more and more organisations are seeking to restrict who adjusts their thermostats.
CW Technologies' unique thermostat protection covers can help businesses do just this. These lockable, thermostat covers are made from a tough, polycarbonate material, with the lid closing over the thermostat control. Featuring ventilation holes to ensure the thermostat continues to operate normally - even if it is a wireless device - all five thermostat protection products are available in a clear polycarbonate so the thermostat's settings can easily been seen without opening the cover.
A robust lock is then used to hold the cover/lid down. Supplied with two keys as standard, additional keys are also available should more than two individuals wish to access the thermostat. This is particularly important in hospitals and nursing homes where night-shifts are in place.
So who is buying them? Well the above two organisation types for starters. Also many residential and commercial letting agents are also beginning to appreciate how a thermostat controller cover can save them £100s over just one year. Councils, care homes, schools, shared accommodate blocks and universities also buy these on a regular basis.
Whilst we at http://www.securitysafetyproducts.co.uk would never dream of telling any organisation how they should spend their budgets, what we would say is if your organisation has any thermostats positioned in public or multi-occupancy areas, then it is fair to say that a thermostat cover costing less than £20 could well save you £100s if not £1,000s.
How long will a security screwdriver insert last?
Fri 21st Jan 2011
This article should really come with a health warning. Looking at how long a security screw drill bit or driver insert will last is almost as difficult to answer as the rhetorical ‘how long is a piece of string?' question. So much depends on the material a screw is being affixed to, how far the screw is tightened, who is carrying out the job and what setting they use on their drill! However, this article will in some way attempt to give some sort of guidance.
We recently tested drill bits on 100 x Snake Eye screws (pig nose screws), 100 x 6 Lobe pin screws (Pin torx screws) and 100 x Pin Hex screws. All the screws used were countersunk self tappers, all were 10 x 1" and all were attached to the same piece of wood using the same drill on the same, relatively high drive setting. This led to some interesting results.
Before this article reveals the results it is worth stating that our test is in no way scientific. Researchers would undoubtedly say one man using one drill type is in no way representative. In truth, for this to be anywhere near to being a meaningful test we felt at least 20 different people should be used. They should also be trying out different screws sizes and different material types. However, regrettably, we simply do not have the luxury of time or resources to carry out such a robust survey.
That said, the results of our test were still fairly illuminating. Over a sample of 100 screws the following is the number of drill bits used:
- Pin Torx security screws: 1 driver insert
- Pin hex screws: 2 driver inserts - 1 no longer useable
- Snake Eye screws: 4 driver inserts - 3 no longer fit for purpose
In honesty we were not entirely surprised by the results. After all, the Pin torx screw (or 6 Lobe pin screw as we refer to it on this website) has a higher torque value, whereas the snake eye screw has a relatively low torque. As such you would expect the drill bit to last longer.
So what has this article proven? Apart from you can tighten a 6 lobe pin screw more than a snake eye screw using a drill bit, its proven what many regular users of security screws already know. However, if it has done anything it may help those less familiar with security screws to think twice about the number of driver inserts they need when ordering their screws. After all, the last thing anyone ordering screws wants is to leave a job half way through to order another drill bit!
Making security screws even more secure
Wed 22nd Dec 2010
The problem with all security screws is if professionals can buy the relevant drill inserts then invariably so can the vandals and criminals. Today's article looks at ways of further securing your equipment without going to the expense of designing completely bespoke one-off security screws or nuts.
Mix up the screws
Rather than using just one screw type, increasingly professional installers are opting for two or more screws types. For higher torque applications this will often involve mixing pin hex screws and 6 lobe pin (Pin Torx) security screws. Of course, the would-be criminal is capable of buying both drill inserts or wrenches. However, by using two screw types, this greatly limits the number of impulse attacks. Put another way, the only people that will be attacking the fixing are those with a premeditated plan to do just that.
Position in hard to reach corners
By locating a security fixing close to an adjacent wall or walls (perhaps in a corner) the harder it is for would-be vandals to grab and gain leverage to loosen it. Again, although not completely attack-proof, anything that makes it harder to remove can only be a good thing.
Position in a recess
If the screw can be drilled in an area that has a raise recess around the edge of the screw head, again it makes it far harder to gain sufficient leverage to release the screw.
Select higher torque products
Although selecting higher torque products does not protect against an attack from people with the correct tools, the higher torque products like the Pin hex and Pin Torx screws can be tightened far more than the snake eye or clutch head screw. With this being the case, they are far harder to remove with standard tooling.
Buy less common patented products
Whilst products like the Sentinel, Scroll nuts, Kinmar and NOGO products shown on www.SecuirtySafetyProducts.co.uk have grown in popularity they remain relatively obscure in the whole scheme of things. The less common the product is, the less likely it is for the would-be criminal to have the correct tools to remove it. Scroll nuts and Kinmars in particular have grown in popularity in 2010, with many shear nut and 4 hole nut customers now turning to these more unique alternatives.
Of course if you are buying off the shelf two-way screws or nuts, there will always an element that can remove them. However, by following some of the above you can limit the chances of an attack. Alternatively, if you require a sufficiently high number of screws, bespoke screws can be made to measure to ensure only you can remove them.
Pin Torx screw, 6 Lobe Pin, Star Drive - great by any other name!
Fri 10th Dec 2010
To the more experienced installers of security screws, the Pin Torx screw is seen as the best, no matter what its application. Its strong, versatile and is easily affixed using a drill or electric screwdriver. This article looks at why it is so popular and how the many different names it has should not confuse would-be buyers.
There are some who argue the Pin Torx screw does not have the same aesthetic appeal as the Snake eye screw (also known as the Pig Nose screw). Whilst this may well be true, installers should never forget why they are using a security screw in the first place.
A security screw is used to secure items that the installer does not wish to be tampered with or removed. What the Pin Torx screw offers that the Snake eye does not is high torque. Like standard Torx screws, the 6 lobe configuration allows the Pin Torx screw to be tightened as far as the installer wishes, with little chance of the driver bit/wrench or screw head breaking.
Of course, where the installer is only securing a couple of screws, care can be taken. However, if multiple screws are being affixed with an electric screwdriver or drill, speed is often the most important factor. It is for these reasons that many installers see the Pin Torx as their default security screw - it will always do the job, no matter how tight the screw needs to be turned.
The second question that www.SecuritySafetyProducts.co.uk is often asked is how does the Pin Torx screw differ from a 6 Lobe Pin screw. The truth it, it does not. Nor is it different from the Resistorx or Star Drive screw. The simple answer is different screw manufacturers have different names for this best selling screw.
By Googling each name, it would appear that Pin Torx is by far the most common, with over 695,000 websites relating to this. However, whatever name is preferred, the Pin Torx or 6 Lobe Pin really is the professionals' security screw of choice.
Armour Rings - Transforming standard nuts into security nuts
Tue 23rd Nov 2010
Security fasteners are a superb way of ensuring property is not removed or tampered with. For those that consider the threats posed by the less savoury members of the public prior to installing any item, security fixings are proven to be an extremely cost effective way of securing property to prevent both burglary and vandalism. However, not everyone is blessed with this level of forethought or indeed hindsight!
Many installers may not consider whether a park bench or skate board ramp will be tampered with at the time of installation. For these installers that have initially used standard nuts or bolts to affix either of these two items, they may well believe the only answer is to disassemble and re-secure the item with suitable security fixings like tri-head machines screws or oval pan screws.
However, there is now a far less labour intensive way of securing bolts and nuts down without the need to replace existing fixings. Armour rings can be bought to effectively ‘retro-fit' existing standard nuts/bolts to make them both secure and tamper-resistant. Simple to affix, the Armour ring is just placed over the top of the nut/bolt and evenly hammered down (tools are also available to ensure this is done evenly). With the existing fixing biting into the conical-shaped armour ring, the standard fixing is instantly converted into a one way security nut that is almost impossible to remove or tamper with.
In recent times many Councils have insisted that outdoor equipment and, to a lesser extent, indoor equipment is protected. After all, using the above example, removing the fixings from a skate board ramp but leaving the structure in place can present all kinds of health and safety hazards. By retro fitting existing structures or products in this way, councils and private organisations can save themselves an awful lot of time and additional cost.
As you may expect, Armour rings can be purchased from www.securitysafetyproducts.co.uk for as little of 25p each. Available next day, please follow this link to go to the relevant page of our website.
Tamper-proof screws keeping car owners out of unwanted trouble
Wed 17th Nov 2010
Whether to hold down park benches, lock together shed panels, install memorabilia or display valuables, security screws have a vast number of applications. However they are also great at holding items down that have no obvious value to the owner.
Increasingly Crime Prevention Units are recommending that cars affix their number plates with one-way tamper-proof screws. To the driver, this may be a surprise as who would want to steal his HJ05 DGE number plate? The truth is it could be wanted for a whole host of reasons.
Often number plates are taken for crime related reasons. Cars which are to be used in serious crimes such as armed robbery will use false plates, as will someone wishing to go speeding without getting caught. The number plate shown above may also be highly desirable by a couple who share the initials and the "05" has some meaning to their relationship. Either way, number pate theft continues to be prevalent in the UK.
Although the cost of replacing number plates is not great, having your number plates taken will inevitably give you unwanted hassle or stress. Even if you are not implicated in a crime, you still have the problem of getting new ones made and affixed before the Police stop you. You also will have to report the incident - all of which can be time consuming and not exactly the best way to spend you free-time.
It is for the above reasons that more and more people are now using clutch head screws to affix their number plates. Affixed using an ordinary flat head screwdriver, this one-way screw cannot be easily removed. Whilst www.SecuritySafetyProducts.co.uk do sell a clutch head removal tool, even that is certainly not way a quick and easy way of removing a number plate without alerting the car's owner or passers-by!
Security Screws giving shops an extra barrier
Wed 10th Nov 2010
In the fight against crime retailers have long been an admirer of security screws. Particularly for those that sell expensive items like mobile phones or jewellery, security screws can make things that much more difficult for the would-be criminal - whether coming in through the front door or even protecting the shop from members of their own staff. The question today's article poses is: which security fixing is the right one to use?
Snake Eye screws (or Pig Nose screws as they are often referred to) arguably have the edge in terms of looks. It is for these aesthetic reasons that snake eye screws often get the vote. However, there are limitations. Out of all the security screws, snake eye screws have the lowest torque, meaning they cannot be tightened in the same way as the pin hex and 6 lobe screws. The popularity of both of these screws has grown in recent times. Not unattractive to the eye, either screw can be tightened almost as much as desired.
One-way screws are only ever used on the display cabinet or the stand itself. So whilst a Sentinel screw or clutch head screw would never be used to attach the mobile phone to the upright stand, the stand itself may well be fixed to the counter with a one-way screw.
Of course, the problem with all standard two way screws is the fact that drill inserts or wrenches can also be bought. So whilst the shop is protecting against the impulse snatch and grab attack, they are not able to protect against the more considered and forward thinking criminal. It is for these reasons that we have received a number of requests for entirely bespoke and unique screws. Although these have to be made in high quantities to make them cost effective, retailers increasing feel this is the best way to protect against this crime.
As a footnote to this article, it is worth mentioning CW Technologies' retail customer that uses a combination of screws for his stands, often employing both pin hex and 6 lobe screws on the same display. Although this is not crime-proof it does test the observational skills and planning of the would-be criminal!
GHS Hazard Labelling imminent
Tue 26th Oct 2010
As a result of the UN's actions to introduce a worldwide system of hazard labelling, the UK will be adopting a new style of hazardous chemical labelling in December 2010. Enforced by the EU's CLP Regulations, these warning diamonds feature red diamonds around the hazard pictograms.
From the 1st December 2010, these should be used on all hazardous substances. Over the next four-and-a-half years (on or before June 2015), hazardous mixtures will also have to be labelled in this way. This will replace the UK's exisiting black and orange style of labelling.
And the reason for the change? .....
Prior to the UN's intervention, each country had its own way of both classifying hazards and then displaying them. As such, something considered toxic in one country may not be considered toxic in another. Equally, even if two countries do classify the hazard in the same way, they may use two different signs and datasheets to convey risk. Either way there are associated risk in handling hazardous chemicals that may be marked differently imported in from other countries.
Having a uniform system across the world is the ultimate aim. Europe are very much leading the way through the introduction and enforcement of the CPL Regulations, working to the deadline outlined above.
For more information please contact us via this website. Should you wish to purchase these signs, please follow this link to the new GHS Hazardous Labelling section of the website.
Hotels Warned! Spend a little on security screws now or a lot on refurbishing later
Mon 25th Oct 2010
The reasons for security screws and security fixings being bought from this website are far ranging, but none are perhaps as strange as in this case.
A hotelier recently contacted CW Technologies to buy a box of 100 6 lobe security screws. Initially, all he would tell us was that “he'd had enough”. It later transpired that he had been persuaded by a regular to install fixed bottle openers in every room. This way customers could open beer bottles themselves in their rooms without having to trouble the reception.
Since installing these openers, the problem has come about that on two occasions residents have allegedly taken a liking to them. Presumably using a standard flat head screw driver or perhaps a knife, these guests are believed to have removed the openers and taken them home as a useful souvenir.
Although these openers are not expensive to replace, the real problem came from the hotelier taking time to notice they had gone. So when the next person brought a bottle of beer back to their room and became frustrated at the lack of implements to open it, they used the side of the table to open their bottles!
In both cases it went on to cost the owner in excess of £250 each time to repair his fitted table and cabinet.
As a footnote to this, since buying his 100 6 lobe pins from us, he has since only bought safes and fire exitnguishers from us!
The rise of the M3.5 Pin Hex Security Screw
Thu 21st Oct 2010
In recent times, the security screw industry has seen a real growth in the sale of its M3.5 pin hex security screws. To the lay-person this is a seemingly obscure size and type. However, anyone in the electrical trade will immediately identify this screw as one which is used in electrical sockets. So why does it sell so well?
As there is little of value behind the plastic panel on the front of an electrical socket, this screw is all about safeguarding. It is often employed in prisons, youth offender institutes, nursing homes and institutes/asylums.
Specifically within Prisons and Youth offending buildings, these screws can protect others from the malicious and dangerous acts of others. Whether driven out of boredom or something more sinister, the M3.5 Pin Hex offers an essential barrier. The same is true in institutes and nursing homes, with this screw sadly protecting people from themselves.
Choosing Security Screws
Tue 19th Oct 2010
When selecting the right security screw there are arguably two fundamental questions that must be asked:
1. What torque do your screws need to be? (how much pressure needs to be exerted when tightening)
2. Once affixed, will you ever need to remove the screw?
Historically, the most popular screw has long been the snake eye screw (or 2 hole or pig nose screw as it is also known). Primarily this is because of its aesthetics. Of course, this is a matter of opinion, but most feel it looks far more pleasing to the eye.
However, when tightening the snake eye screw, its holes or the dill bit can break if over-tightened in anyway. It is for this reason that in recent years we have seen a real upturn in sales of both our pin hex screws and 6 lobe pins. The 6 lobe pin in particular is a favourite with industry professionals due to its extremely high torque levels.
Of course the problem comes with all of the three screws mentioned above that they can be loosened using the same security screwdriver they were tightened with. This is why we would recommend one-way security screws for fixings that are designed to be permanent.
In terms of one-way screws, the industry standard has long been the clutch head screw. Tightened by a standard flat head screwdriver, this screw is difficult to remove (although our market leading clutch head removal tool is proving to be highly effective). The new player in the one-way screws market is the Sentinel screw. This is proven to be far harder to remove than the clutch head. For this reason, more and more specialists are selecting it over the clutch head. The only thing we must advise is please make sure you really cannot foresee a day when you may wish to remove it!
About our author, Gwyn Ewens
Sun 8th Aug 2010
Our author, Gwyn Ewens, has worked in the fields of fire, safety and security for the past 14 years. University educated, of note Gwyn has held senior positions working for two of the UK's largest fire extinguisher and safety sign manufacturers.
Now, as the driving force behind SSP, Gwyn specifies and selects all products promoted on the SSP website. With this remit, Gwyn has an in-depth knowledge, understanding and enthusiasm for all products he writes about on the SecuritySafetyProducts.co.uk news pages.