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Tamper-proof or security screw driver for vacuum cleaner repair
QUESTION: I'm trying to clean off the discharge filter on our household vacuum
cleaner, a Dirt Devil 1100. There are two tamper-proof or security
screws that have stopped me. They are "notch spanner" screws, I think
is the name. I have a security bit set from Draper that has a bit to
fit the screws, but I can't get the driver down the 3-inch deep well
the screw is in. I tried drilling-out one of the wells to allow the
driver to reach down there, but ended up breaking into the pressurized
side of the cleaner, now I have to keep a piece of tape across the
hole! Not only that, but I didn't drill straight, so I still can't
reach the screw. It never ends. Does anyone know where I can purchase
a purpose-built screwdriver? The local vacuum repair shops won't sell
a driver, suggesting they would be liable if I opened it and got hurt.
ANSWER: Just before Matthew Marks repeats his suggestion: hacksaw a slot on
the OTHER end of the security bit and then drop it down the well and
then use a plain screwdriver on the hacksawed slot.
2 ways out here.
1) get an old or cheap screwdriver and cut a notch in the centre of the
blade (good use for Dremel and its clones) to fit, or
2) cut the blade off an old brass key, clean it thououghly and heat it
up until you can melt a good sized blob of solder on it's tip, then
lower it carefully down the recess and touch it to the screw head until
it cools. You may need to clean and flux the screw head first.
Stuart Grant
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