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Topic starter
24/05/2019 7:00 am
Triangular screws revisited
The word I have from an Asian producer of many of our models indicates that the triangular screw is, or was, a requirement of the EU, in spite of arguments to the contrary, are considered toys, not adult collectibles, and as such must comply with EU toy regulations for some safety reason. Why exactly triangular screws are safer than Phillips screws is not clearly stated but that is the determination of some bureaucrat in the EU. This producer has provided many of the needed tools but they are no more pleased with the triangular screw requirement than we the buyers.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
24/05/2019 8:16 am
Everyone has blade and Phillips screw drivers
Little kids seeing daddy use one might get the driver and take out the screw then some sibling swallow it. The triangle is less likely.
24/05/2019 9:01 am
More evidence the EU and idiotic bureaucrats in general need to be driven off this planet !
24/05/2019 12:19 pm
Exactly, it is actually a smart thing (for toys) ? if you guys have problems unscrewing them, imagine a toddler doing it. The McDonald's happy meal toys had these for years here in the States too, and maybe still do ... my kids are older now.
They could easily be hacked with a blade micro screwdriver, you just have to find the one that fits tightly in one of the sides of the triangle. One can probably make a triangular screwdriver fairly easy by grinding the tip of an old screwdriver to triangular shape.
24/05/2019 2:39 pm
As I think I stated a while back, these triangular head screwdrivers used to be available on the bay. Or possibly at micro mart. I know how frustrating it can be removing models. That's why a long time ago I bought one to have in my tool box.
24/05/2019 2:44 pm
Just went to the bay and typed in triangular head screw drivers
They are available for $6.00 and one add has free shipping
25/05/2019 12:21 am
Got my set on Amazon.
25/05/2019 7:36 am
Topic starter
25/05/2019 7:44 am
If these screws are used to hold the model to the base plate what exactly is the rationale for making it difficult to remove it from the base plinth? How does that relate to making it safer for children? I just got an Eligor branded Blake & Mortimer Datsun 510 and it used the triangular screw on the base but Phillips to hold the model together. Seems inconsistent.
John F. Quilter
Eugene, Oregon USA
25/05/2019 9:01 am
PIC: They probably do this for a reason that is not immediately obvious to us.
It's very likely that something like this happens; The factory has several assembly tables. Each person has several tasks they perform. The screws that hold the model together are a different size than the baseplate screrws but it's hard to tell. So they use two different screws to avoid wasting time sorting things out.
In any event, why not just but the right screwdriver? For all the money we have invested in our little jewels, another $6 is far from breaking the bank.
Personally, I got tired of trying to jimmy odd looking screws and bought this set by Wiha. Now, I have whatever screwdriver I may need and it comes in a nice case to hold everything and keep it in order.
photo no longer available
John Kuvakas
Warrenton, VA
25/05/2019 9:47 am
I agree Maz, I don't think this has anything to do with the EU.
