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Compare Security Fasteners

When choosing the right security fastener, not all options offer the same level of protection, reliability, or installation control. In this comparison, we break down two standout products side-by-side to help you evaluate their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases. Whether you’re securing high-value infrastructure or simply looking to deter casual tampering, understanding how these fasteners differ can make all the difference.

Security Fastener
Our Thoughts
Good For
Not Good For
Driver Availability
Maximum Torque (MFG Claim)
Minimum Quantity
Average Break-In Time
Cost Per Fastener
Samples Available
Keyway Type
Tool Control
Head Style Options
Material Options
Reusability
Tamper Resistance
Tool Compatibility
Installation Method
Visual Deterrence Level
Removal Risk if Tool Leaks
Lead Time to Purchase
Where to Buy

Snake-Eye 

Snake-Eye

This fastener is widely available and lacks meaningful tool control or tamper resistance. While often marketed as a "security screw," it does not meet our standards for the security classification. It may deter casual tampering but offers very little protection against intentional removal.

Snake-Eye
  • General Fastener Use
Snake-Eye
  • Security Use
Snake-Eye
Widely available; sold in stores and online. Snake-Eye
~70 in/lbs for 1/4-20x1 Snake-Eye
Low: Often available in small packs. Snake-Eye
Low: Easily removed in minutes. Snake-Eye
Low: Varies by supplier, size, and material. Snake-Eye
Likely available from distributors. Snake-Eye
Standard, not proprietary. Snake-Eye
N/A: Bits widely available to public. Snake-Eye
Button, flat, pan, socket; varies by supplier. Snake-Eye
Steel, stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316), sometimes brass or zinc-plated—depends on supplier. Snake-Eye
Reusable with matching bit; integrity depends on torque and material. Snake-Eye
Low: Easily defeated with standard bits or modified tools. Snake-Eye
Compatible with standard bits; widely available tools. Snake-Eye
Manual or power-driven with bit; standard installation process. Snake-Eye
Low: Recognizable shape signals basic security, not highly deterrent. Snake-Eye
N/A: Tool/Bit is widely available. Snake-Eye
N/A: Commonly stocked item. Snake-Eye

Available in stores.
Order online.

Purchase from Amazon

Snake-Eye

Tri-Groove 

Tri-Groove

This fastener is widely available and lacks meaningful tool control or tamper resistance. While often marketed as a "security screw," it does not meet our standards for the security classification. It may deter casual tampering but offers very little protection against intentional removal.

Tri-Groove
  • General Fastener Use
Tri-Groove
  • Security Use
Tri-Groove
Widely available; sold in stores and online. Tri-Groove
Moderate; varies by size and material. Tri-Groove
Low: Often available in small packs. Tri-Groove
Low: Easily removed in minutes. Tri-Groove
Low: Varies by supplier, size, and material. Tri-Groove
Likely available from distributors. Tri-Groove
Standard, not proprietary. Tri-Groove
N/A: Bits widely available to public. Tri-Groove
Button, flat, pan, socket; varies by supplier. Tri-Groove
Steel, stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316), sometimes brass or zinc-plated—depends on supplier. Tri-Groove
Reusable with matching bit; integrity depends on torque and material. Tri-Groove
Low: Easily defeated with standard bits or modified tools. Tri-Groove
Compatible with standard bits; widely available tools. Tri-Groove
Manual or power-driven with bit; standard installation process. Tri-Groove
Low: Recognizable shape signals basic security, not highly deterrent. Tri-Groove
N/A: Tool/Bit is widely available. Tri-Groove
N/A: Commonly stocked item. Tri-Groove

Available in stores.
Order online.

Purchase from Grainger

Tri-Groove

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