Micro Screws · M0.8 – M6
PVD Coated Screws
Physical vapour deposition coatings that add 2–5 µm of hard ceramic film — for driver wear resistance, low friction and decorative black or gold finishes.
2–5 µm filmTiN · CrN · DLCHV 1800+
Specialties
Security & Tamper-Proof Screws
Torx pin, tri-wing, pentalobe and one-way drives for controlled access
M0.8 – M6 · Specialties Overview
Security & Tamper-Proof Screws from M0.8 – M6
A security screw does not make a product invulnerable. It makes access deliberate: the fastener requires a specific tool, so opening the product leaves evidence and cannot be done casually with a Phillips driver from a drawer. For warranty control, safety-critical enclosures and public-facing equipment, that is usually the actual requirement.
We produce pin-in-Torx, pin-in-hex, tri-wing, pentalobe, spanner, one-way slotted and custom proprietary drives from M0.8. The pin is pressed or formed into the recess and its height is controlled so a standard Torx bit will not seat. For drives that must resist drilling, we offer hardened inserts and case-hardened bodies, and for evidence of opening we can supply a break-away head that shears at a defined torque.
Diameter range
M0.8 – M6
Drive types
Pin-in-Torx, pin-in-hex, tri-wing, pentalobe, spanner, one-way, custom
Pin diameter
0.3 – 1.2 mm depending on size
Pin height
Controlled to block standard bits
Head styles
Pan, flat, oval, button, break-away
Break-away torque
0.15 – 4.0 N·m, specified per application
Design intent
What this product solves
Six engineering decisions that separate a micro fastener that works from one that merely fits the drawing.
Pin height controlled
The centre pin is set so a standard Torx bit bottoms out without engaging, while the matching security bit seats fully.
Drill-resistant options
Hardened bodies and carbide inserts raise the drilling time beyond what a casual attempt will tolerate.
Break-away heads
A head that shears at a specified torque leaves a smooth dome and provides visible evidence of opening.
Custom proprietary drives
Where standard security drives are too widely available, we can produce a customer-specific recess and supply the matching bits.
Micro sizes
Security drives from M0.8 for wearables and small instruments, where a standard M3 security screw would be far too large.
Full traceability
Security lots are serialised so that any diverted or counterfeit part can be traced to its production batch.
Technical data
Security drive selection
Reference data for design and sourcing. For a specific part, the drawing governs — these tables are the starting point for a joint review.
| Drive | Sizes available | Tool | Security level | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin-in-Torx | T1 – T30 | Torx security bit | Medium | Consumer electronics, IT hardware |
| Pentalobe | P2 – P5 | Pentalobe driver | Medium | Smartphone and laptop cases |
| Tri-wing | M1.0 – M4 | Tri-wing bit | Medium | Appliances, game consoles |
| Pin-in-hex | M2.0 – M6 | Hex security bit | Medium | Industrial panels, signage |
| Spanner | M2.0 – M5 | Spanner bit | Medium-low | Public fixtures, vending |
| One-way slotted | M2.0 – M5 | None (drive only) | High | Permanent closures, signage |
| Break-away head | M2.5 – M6 | Standard driver | High + evidence | Metering, safety covers |
| Custom | M0.8 – M6 | Proprietary | Highest | Brand protection, medical |
Values are typical for the stated material and finish. Actual performance depends on the mating material, engagement length and assembly torque. Confirm with a sample test before design freeze.
Options
Heads, drives, materials and finishes
Mix these within one part number family. Where a combination is not manufacturable at your tolerance, we will say so at quotation rather than after the first lot.
Head styles
- Pan head — Standard security screw
- Button head — Rounded, low profile
- Flat head — Flush security fixing
- Break-away dome — Shears to a smooth dome
- One-way — Drivable but not removable
Drive types
- Pin-in-Torx
- Pentalobe
- Tri-wing
- Pin-in-hex
- Spanner
- One-way slotted
- Custom
Materials
- SCM435
- SUS304
- SUS410
- SUS420
- Titanium
Finishes
- Black oxide
- Black PVD
- Zinc-nickel
- Passivation
- Nickel
Where it is used
Typical applications
Representative positions rather than an exhaustive list. Many of our parts are designed for one specific assembly and never appear in a catalogue.
| Assembly | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Smartphone and tablet cases | Pentalobe M1.2 exterior screws with matching driver |
| Notebook bottom covers | Pin-in-Torx M2.0 with black PVD |
| POS and payment terminals | One-way screws preventing casual access to the card reader |
| Public charging stations | Pin-in-hex M4 stainless screws |
| Medical device housings | Break-away screws giving evidence of opening |
| Robot joint covers | Pin-in-Torx M2.5 to discourage field adjustment |
Quality control
What we measure on every lot
Inspection is not a final gate. It is a set of checks placed where a process can actually drift, with the result recorded against the lot code.
01
Pin height and diameter, vision and pin gauge
02
Standard-bit rejection test, functional
03
Security-bit engagement, torque test
04
Break-away torque, torque tester, 100% sampling
05
Recess depth and concentricity
06
Hardness, HV 0.3
07
Coating thickness and appearance
08
Lot traceability record
Questions
About security screws
The questions our engineers answer most often on this product family.
Still deciding? Send the assembly drawing and the service condition.
We will recommend a size, finish and locking method — and tell you if a different
product family is the better answer.
Is a security screw actually secure?
It controls casual access and creates evidence, but any commercially available drive can be purchased. If the requirement is genuine resistance, combine a security drive with a hardened body, a break-away head or a custom recess, and treat the fastener as one layer of a broader physical security design.
Do you supply the matching bits?
Yes, for production orders we supply matching driver bits and can quote a service kit for field technicians. Custom drives always ship with bits, since no standard tool will fit.
Can I get a custom drive?
Yes. We can develop a proprietary recess geometry and produce matched tooling. Development typically takes 6–8 weeks including bit manufacture.
Will black PVD hide the pin?
No — the pin remains visible, which is usually desirable because it signals that a special tool is required. If you need the drive to look like a standard Torx, we can supply a shallow cosmetic pin instead.
Related products
Often specified together
These families are frequently used in the same assembly, or as an alternative when the joint requirement changes.
Micro Screws · M0.8 – M6
Precoated Screws
Screws with a factory-applied locking or sealing element, so the assembly line receives a ready-to-drive fastener with no liquid adhesive and no cure time.
Nylon patchMicro-encapsulated3M tape
Precision Components · M2 – M6
Captive Screws
Captive panel screws that remain attached to the cover when opened — eliminating lost fasteners in field service, medical and rack-mount equipment.
Spring-loadedLost-fastener proofTool or hand
Micro Screws · M0.5 – M6
Machine Thread Micro Screws
Precision machine screws from M0.5 to M6 with rolled Class 6g threads, tight head concentricity and clean drive recesses for automated driving.
Class 6g threadRolled threadStainless / carbon steel
Need security screws to your drawing?
Send a drawing or 3D model with the mating material and finish requirement. We reply with a process route, tolerance review and price — usually within two working days.