Five Pointed Screwdriver

April 2, 2007 5:19 PM

HELP. Where can I buy 5 pointed star screwdriver?

I am trying to open Seagate 160GB USB External Drive Cover... It has very very small 5 pointed star screws. I have searched everywhere.... not even google will solve my problem. Most of torx screws are 6 pointed stars and will not fit on 5 pointed ones. Please help me buy 5 pointed star screwdriver.

I have 3 sets of screwdriver bits and sets... none of them will even come close to loose these screws... so any help will be greatly appreciated.

posted by curiousleo to Computers & Internet (19 answers total)

Your local hardware store should have one, or at least that's where I found mine to open my scsi drive.
posted by jmd82 at 5:25 PM on April 2, 2007

They're also called pentagon screwdrivers, and can once in a while be found in jeweler's tool sets. Pentagon Screwdriver
posted by iconomy at 5:31 PM on April 2, 2007

previously: http://ask.metafilter.com/55345/Sony-screwed-me-again
posted by zamboni at 6:00 PM on April 2, 2007

Response by poster: I just checked Home Depot... They never seen it nor sell anything that fits it.
posted by curiousleo at 6:08 PM on April 2, 2007

Classical hardware stores (e.g. Home Depot) probably won't carry them, because they're used exclusively in the electronics industry. Try somewhere like Radio Shack, or Best Buy, or Fry's.
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 6:25 PM on April 2, 2007

Response by poster: Checked Radio Shack and Best buy...and Compusa nope....
I think the pentagon thing may work.. but it it very very very small size... 1.5 octagon didn't fit either.
posted by curiousleo at 6:35 PM on April 2, 2007

Response by poster: I can undertand that it is for security and warranty issue.. but.. this is getting ...xxxx...
I had similar make and model a year ago... it only had Philips screws..... Obviously they decided upgrade....
posted by curiousleo at 6:36 PM on April 2, 2007

Best answer: For all my specialty screw needs, I go to here to find out what type of bit it is, followed by here to buy whatever I need.

That said, now that I own the two sets below, I have found that I have pretty much every type of screwdriver tip I could ever need.

Secuirty MicroBit Set Tamper Resistant Hex & TORX ESD Safe MicroBit Set #75998

39 Piece Security Bit Set #71991
posted by fief at 6:39 PM on April 2, 2007

zamboni has found the correct answer: Sony screwed me again.

Unfortunately, neither the sets fief linked, nor this cheaper set (often available for $10 CAD), have that type of bit. Even the mighty McMaster-Carr seems to be stumped..
posted by Chuckles at 7:04 PM on April 2, 2007

You can also try Sears. It seems a bit odd, but they have many of these unusual screw sets in the hardware section.
posted by shinynewnick at 8:17 PM on April 2, 2007

Not to derail too hard here, but may I ask why you want to open a hard drive up? I imagine you're not trying to smash the platters or degauss the drive, as getting the screws out wouldn't be your top priority.

So, I guess my question is what you're trying to get at by doing this - perhaps there's another way to get what you're trying to do done without resulting to high-priced driver sets?
posted by plaidrabbit at 8:21 PM on April 2, 2007

....and I'm a moron. Mea culpa, I didn't see that this is an external drive, not the cover to the actual drive.
posted by plaidrabbit at 8:22 PM on April 2, 2007

Best answer: A few possible methods to open the case; assuming you don't mind damaging the case or possibly the screws...

Get a cheap allen wrench set, some super glue and some silly putty (or clay). With the silly putty, prop the allen wrench up with the silly putty such that the allen wrench is in the hole of the screw. Glue the tip of the allen wrench into the screw and let it sit. I usually go with a few hours for "5 minute" superglue. You can likely use a flat head screwdriver to scrape the glue (and screw) off to use the allen wrench again.

With a dremel cut-off wheel, add a slot to the screw such that you can use a flat head screwdriver to remove it. Considering how far most screws are into the plastic housing of many consumer electronics, this can cause some serious damage to the plastic of course.
posted by fief at 8:44 PM on April 2, 2007

Response by poster: "In order to purchase these bits you will need to sign a letter stating that you are an authorized serviceperson for the equipment where TORX Plus® tamper-resistant screws are used. Bits are $9.50 per bit and we will also charge you a one-time $20 non-refundable fee to process all the paperwork to authorize you to purchase these bits. The bits will be shipped directly to you from the manufacturer within 5 business days. "

Oh my God~
posted by curiousleo at 9:50 PM on April 2, 2007

Best answer: Found the answer with actual experience notes from someone. This wouldn't happen if i didn't get some of the feedback from you guys.. THanks... I just find the cheapest way to get T20 sized Tamper Resistant Torx Plus

http://www.gearhack.com/Forums/DisplayComments.php?file=Tool/Screwdriver_for_5-Point_Star_Screw.html
posted by curiousleo at 10:00 PM on April 2, 2007

I picked up a generic screwdriver socket set with ALL sizes of metric and imperial torx, security, and hex bits for less than $AU 30 (local Dick Smith store).

They've GOT to be out there somewhere in the states!
posted by coriolisdave at 2:09 AM on April 3, 2007

They're cheap on ebay and Harbor Freight Tools.
posted by SteveInMaine at 3:45 AM on April 3, 2007

Use a screw extractor, then replace the screws with normal-headed ones.
posted by Kirth Gerson at 4:58 AM on April 3, 2007

Best answer: SteveInMaine... I've checked.. most of them are 6 pointed instead of 5.

but I now know these 5 pointed ones are used in Mercedes Benz, Audi, VW, and other German Cars...
Which means the dealers service centers or auto parts stores may have them.. I am going there now...
posted by curiousleo at 7:20 AM on April 3, 2007