BikeManDan

I am gauging interest in whether commuters would be interested in purchasing security bolts (ie tamper proof) to replace bolts such as threadless aheadset bolt, stem bolts, microadjust seatpost bolt, etc.

I am a big supporter of locking skewers like Pitlock and Pinhead but they still leave items vulnerable, specifically a saddle such as a nice Brooks. The seatpost is secure, but the mounting between the post and the saddle isn't (one allen bolt on microadjust posts)

Tamper proof fasteners generally cannot be bought unless in a bulk order so if there is interest, I am willing to get an order going.

ilikebikes

Its a little bit of a touchy subject for me as I know that certain locking skewers can be removed with a pair of grip plyers, we tried it, it worked, needless to say we returned them, but it will help if the rest of the bolts were the same I guess? What are we looking at cash wise? to replace all the bolts that are replacable that is.

ax0n

I can get tamper-proof fasteners as well as the driver bits to un-do them for cheap at either of the two ACE hardware stores within 3 miles of my apartment. Unfortunately, thieves could also pick up the driver bits for cheap as well.

Percist

If you are REALLY concerned about security, opt for the 1-way fasteners like they use for some restroom partition, etc. Just be prepared to drill it out when you want to replace your rack.

It's not really worth it for a commuter unless they come in stainless.

AStomper

Percist, they actually have a bit to go to those also, it looks like a bowtie. All of those things have bits, and like lllkebikes pointed out, if the head protrudes you can use vice grips or cut two sides down and use a wrench. Thing is, putting these things on your bike will make it easier to steal parts off of the bike right next to it, pick the fruit off of the low branches first, right.

Percist

The fasteners I was referring to look like flat head screws with the head shaved on the counter-clockwise side of the slot. https://www.hudsonfasteners.com/sec/sec_ow_ohms.htm Screw in with regular flathead but nothing to hold on to on the way out. I'm familiar with several styles from when I worked at a hardware store.

BTW, our Hillman supplier could get us any of the security styles in a box of 50 for a reasonable price.

Edit: Even the vice grips and remover tools need something to grab on to so just shave the sides of the screw to a point.

From the sounds of it he wanted it SECURE. Its the commuter forum, we have to make it theft-PROOF, right?

bokes

Count me in, I'd love to have a security screw for my brooks. (I wish Pitlock would make a few generic screws for the typical screw sizes) But keep in mind you need Metric screws and not SAE, and most of the fastener companies i contacted only have SAE.

I don't think a thief is going to take the time and effort to find a store and acquire a special key just for your bike part. He'll move on to more vulnerable bikes.