Material • Standards • Applications • Installation
🔍 1. What Are Anti-Theft Security Screws?
Anti-theft screws (tamper-proof screws) are designed to prevent unauthorized disassembly.
Common applications include:
- 📱 Micro-electronics
- ⚙ Precision instruments
- 🚗 Automotive electronics
- 📡 Communication devices
- 💡 Public terminals
- 🏥 Medical equipment
🔧 2. Anti-Theft Drive Types
2.1 Torx Security (TR / Pin-in-Torx)
Most common and best for M1.6 applications.
2.2 Common Drive Type Comparison Table
| Drive Type | Feature | Tool Required | Tamper Level | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔵 Torx Security (TR) | Pin-in-Torx | Security Torx bit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Electronics, automotive |
| 🔴 Hex Security | Hex w/ pin | Security hex key | ⭐⭐⭐ | Machinery |
| 🟡 One-Way | Install only | Flat driver | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Public facilities |
| 🟢 Spanner (Snake Eye) | Two holes | Spanner driver | ⭐⭐⭐ | Lighting, CCTV |
| 🟣 Tri-Wing | 3-wing | Tri-wing bit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Consumer electronics |
🧪 3. Material Options & Mechanical Properties
3.1 Stainless Steel Grades
| Material | Tensile Strength | Corrosion Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2-70 (304) | 700 MPa | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Electronics, general use |
| A4-70 (316) | 700 MPa | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Marine, outdoor |
| A2-50 | 500 MPa | ⭐⭐⭐ | Low torque |
3.2 Alloy Steel (Heat Treated)
- High hardness
- High torque strength
- Suitable for automotive or mechanical locking systems
3.3 Brass
- Non-magnetic
- High electrical conductivity
- Common in PCB and micro devices
📏 4. Standards & Dimensions
M1.6 Security Screw Standard References
| Category | Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Metric Thread | ISO 261 / ISO 68-1 | Full metric profile |
| Tolerance | ISO 965-1 (6G) | Standard fit |
| Material | ISO 3506 | Stainless steel grades |
| Heat Treatment | ISO 898-1 | Alloy steel classes |
| Coating | ISO 4042 | Zinc / Zn-Ni / Geomet |
🏭 5. Manufacturing Process
✔ Cold Heading
Forms the screw head with stable dimensions.
✔ Thread Rolling
Improves fatigue resistance and thread precision.
✔ CNC Torx Recess Machining
Ensures pin concentricity and anti-tampering function.
✔ Heat Treatment
Used for alloy steel to improve torque performance.
✔ Surface Treatment
- Zinc
- Nickel
- Black oxide
- Geomet
✔ Optical 100% Inspection
- Thread completeness
- Recess depth
- Burr-free edges
🎯 6. How to Select the Right M1.6 Security Screw
Application-Based Selection
| Application | Recommended Material | Drive Type |
|---|---|---|
| PCB / Electronics | 304 SS / Brass | Torx TR |
| Outdoor device | 316 SS | Torx TR |
| Automotive sensors | Zn-Ni Alloy Steel | Torx TR |
| Anti-vandal areas | One-way | One-way |
🔩 7. Installation Guide
Required Tools
- 🔧 Security Torx TR bit
- ⚡ Torque screwdriver
- 🧲 Magnetic extension
Installation Steps
- Keep screw vertical to avoid recess damage
- Apply stable torque (use an electric torque driver)
- Do not exceed torque rating
- Apply thread-locker in vibration environments
Recommended Torque (M1.6)
| Material | Max Torque |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | 0.06–0.08 Nm |
| Alloy Steel | 0.10–0.12 Nm |
| Brass | 0.05 Nm |
⚠️ 8. Common Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 🟥 Head stripped | Wrong tool | Use TR bit |
| 🟥 Thread cannot engage | Burrs / tolerance issue | Use 6G tolerance |
| 🟧 Loosening during vibration | No thread locker | Use Loctite 243 / 222 |
| 🟨 Rusting | Wrong material | Use A4-70 or Zn-Ni |
| 🟩 Recess deformation | Over-torquing | Use controlled torque driver |
🔌 9. Industry Applications
- 📱 Smart devices
- 🔐 Security systems
- 📺 Display equipment
- 🚗 Vehicle electronics
- 📡 Telecom hardware
- 💳 POS terminals
- 🔍 Precision medical devices
❓ 10. FAQ — Technical Buyer Questions
Q1: Can you customize lengths for M1.6 screws?
Yes, 2–20 mm available.
Q2: Can you produce according to drawings?
OEM/ODM accepted.
Q3: Do you provide RoHS/REACH?
Yes, full certification.
Q4: MOQ?
50,000–100,000 pcs.
Q5: Salt-spray test options?
48h / 96h / 240h / 480h.
📌 Conclusion
M1.6 anti-theft security screws provide superior tamper resistance, precision, and durability for micro-electronic and high-value equipment.
Using the correct materials, drive type, and installation torque ensures long-term reliability.