Security Fasteners

Security Fasteners for Australian Public Infrastructure and Tamper-Resistant Installations

Security fasteners are the screws, bolts, and nuts with tamper-resistant geometries that prevent removal with standard tools. Used widely on Australian public infrastructure, electrical equipment, vehicles, and building services where unauthorised access is a concern, security fasteners are the first line of defence against vandalism, theft, and tampering. AIMS Industrial supplies security fasteners across the established tamper-resistant profiles.

The security fastener types we stock

• Torx security screws (pin-in-Torx) — standard Torx head with a central pin; the most common modern security fastener
• Pin-hex security screws — Allen socket with a central pin requiring matching pin-hex driver
• One-way (clutch head) screws — slot drives that turn one way only; standard slotted driver tightens but cannot loosen
• Snake-eye (two-pin) screws — two-pin drive requiring matching snake-eye driver
• Tri-wing screws — three-wing drive used in some electronics and consumer products
• Spanner-drive (pin-spanner) screws — two holes in the head requiring matching pin-spanner driver
• Sentinel head bolts — bolt heads with smooth domed tops that can't be gripped by standard wrenches
• Shear-off (snap-off) bolts — designed to break off at a calibrated torque, leaving an undriveable head
• Security nuts (one-way) — see also security nuts and clips

Where security fasteners earn their place

• Public infrastructure — bus shelters, street signs, signage, lighting columns, public seating
• Electrical equipment — distribution boards, sub-mains, access covers in public areas
• Schools and public buildings — fittings exposed to vandalism risk
• Vehicles and rolling stock — number plate fastenings, exterior fittings, security-sensitive components
• Vending and dispensing machines — internal access fastenings
• Building services — service panel covers, lift access panels, lockable utility access

Materials and finishes

• Steel zinc-plated — the everyday choice for protected and indoor applications
• Stainless steel 304 and 316 — for outdoor and corrosive environments where coating durability matters
• Hot-dip galvanised — for heavy-duty outdoor applications requiring thicker zinc protection

Sizing — match to load and substrate

Security fasteners come in metric and imperial thread sizes matching standard fasteners. Common sizes range from M4 through M16 for screws, with bolt sizes through M24 and beyond for structural applications. Match the security fastener size to the load and substrate as you would for a standard fastener; the security feature is in the head geometry, not the load-bearing function.

The matching driver — essential

Security fasteners are only as effective as the rarity of the matching driver. For premium security applications, choose the less common security profiles (snake-eye, tri-wing) rather than the widely-available Torx security. For routine service-restricted applications, Torx security with a pin is standard and convenient. Drivers and bits for security fasteners are stocked in our security bits range.

Brands stocked at AIMS

Hobson and Bremick cover the security fastener range across the standard sizes, materials, and finishes. For specialty security profiles or specific applications, we source through our distribution channels.

Companion ranges at AIMS

Security fasteners sit alongside our broader fastener range — see security screws, security nuts and clips, security bits, and socket countersunk screws for the related products.

Need help speccing security fasteners for a specific application or compliance requirement? contact our team — we'll match by application, substrate, and security level.