Triangular-headed screwdriver

[Philip Davies]

I just have to undo some small screws, with an equilateral triangular recess, from a piece of electronic equipment, so I can get at the transformer inside.
Although it’s usually possible to undo these with a flathead or slot screwdriver, these were in a bit tight. So I took a spare 3-square tapered file, and just ground a slight flat on each face of the tip. The handle is also spare, turned from cherry. I did not temper the file.
Is anybody going to tell me that I mustn’t do that sort of thing?

[Altair]

Thanks Philip Davies! We've added your Triangular-Headed Screwdriver to our Fastening category,
as well as to your builder page: Philip Davies's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Triangular-Headed Screwdriver by Philip Davies

tags: screwdriver

[uv8452]

By the way. I once cut a screwdriver and ground the desired triangle. But the triangle screws were quite tight(ened?) (toaster) and let my screwdriver suffer. Then I adapted the tip of a small file and attached a substantial handle. But this project must have exhausted my brain then: After the toaster repair I put the triangle screws again.

[mklotz]

FWIW, many of the 4mm driver kits, such as this example...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

contain several sizes of triangular bits.

No, you wouldn't buy such a kit solely for the triangles, but such a kit is invaluable if you work on small devices often.

[IntheGroove]

Everyone should have a set of tamper-proof bits...

[mklotz]

Everyone should have a set of tamper-proof bits...

I call it proactive tool acquisition. Buy an inexpensive tool capable of addressing many potential uses. Even if it's not used, which is unlikely, having it ready provides a form of comfort.

[frugalolegeezer]

Ingenuity at work. Modifying one tool to into another to solve a problem. Very good Philip.