Security Screws

Security Screws for Tamper-Resistant Australian Fastening

Security screws are threaded fasteners with tamper-resistant drive heads — the everyday format for tamper-resistant fastening on public infrastructure, electrical equipment, and security-sensitive installations across Australia. The drive head requires a matching specialist bit; standard Phillips, Torx, slotted, or hex drivers cannot engage the security profile to remove the screw. AIMS Industrial supplies security screws across the established drive profiles, materials, and head styles.

The drive profiles we stock

• Torx security (pin-in-Torx) — standard Torx with a central pin; the most common modern security screw
• Pin-hex security — Allen socket with a central pin
• One-way (clutch) drive — slot that turns clockwise but cams out anti-clockwise
• Snake-eye (two-pin) drive — requires matching snake-eye driver
• Tri-wing — three-wing drive used in some electronics and consumer products
• Spanner-drive (pin-spanner) — two-hole drive requiring matching pin-spanner driver

Head styles

• Pan head — low-profile dome head, the everyday choice for general fastening
• Countersunk (flush) head — for installations where the head must sit below the surface
• Button head — rounded low-profile head with a wider bearing surface
• Sentinel head — smooth domed top that can't be gripped by standard tools

Where security screws earn their place

• Public infrastructure — signs, bus shelters, lighting columns, public seating
• Building services — distribution boards, lift access panels, service covers
• Electrical and electronic equipment — equipment requiring authorised-only service
• Vehicle and rolling stock — exterior fittings, security-sensitive components
• Vending and dispensing — internal access fastenings on public-facing equipment
• Schools and public buildings — fittings exposed to vandalism

Materials and finishes

• Steel zinc-plated — indoor and protected outdoor use, the everyday choice
• Stainless steel 304 — outdoor and corrosion-resistant applications
• Stainless steel 316 — marine and aggressive corrosive environments
• Hot-dip galvanised — heavy-duty outdoor applications

Sizing — match to substrate and load

Security screws come in metric and imperial sizes matching standard machine screws. Common sizes range from M3 through M8 for general application, with longer sizes available for specific work. Length must cover the combined material thickness plus thread engagement; choose the right diameter for the load and substrate as you would for standard fasteners.

Choosing the right security level

For routine service-restricted work where the matching driver is held by authorised technicians, Torx security or pin-hex is convenient and effective. For higher-security applications where matching drivers must remain rare, snake-eye or specialty profiles raise the difficulty significantly. For strict one-time installations, sentinel head or breakaway features eliminate the removal pathway entirely.

Brands stocked at AIMS

Hobson and Bremick cover the security screw range across the standard profiles, sizes, and finishes. The matching security bits are stocked alongside the screws — paired sourcing ensures the installer has the right driver on hand.

Companion ranges at AIMS

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

Need help speccing security screws for an installation or compliance requirement? contact our team — we'll match by drive profile, head style, material, and security level.