Strange 'tamper proof' retaining screw on UAP euro cylinder

[Kevtom]

Hi, I am trying to replace my existing UAP euro cylinder lock on my UPVC front door in favour of a more secure anti snap type lock, and I was horrified to find that the retaining screw for the lock, which is housed in the side of the door frame is not a standard 'Philips head' type, but some type of 'anti tamper' screw head, which is similar to a Philips head, but has a 'swirled head' similar to a propeller. I have never seen anything like it before, and can't see any screw bits similar to fit it, on the Internet.
Has anyone come across anything like this before, or knows how to obtain a suitable screw bit to remove it. I could try to use a Philips head screw bit on it, but fear it would easily strip the screw head and leave me with a lock I cannot remove. Any advice on how to loosen this retaining screw would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
P.s I have now uploaded photos of the strange 'propeller head' retaining screw if anyone knows what the pattern is called or where a suitable screwdriver bit can be sourced. Just click on my profile to the left and select the photo album. Thanks

 

[Alarm]

Try Maplin, they do a "Security Screw" pack that will contain that.

 

[Kevtom]

Thanks for your reply. I have looked on the Maplin website and I don't think their security screw pack has a swirl pattern bit in the armoury. I can see that it does cover all the well known security screw heads, but not this 'curved groove' style.

 

[Alarm]

Are you sure this is the correct screw?
Very strange to have one as the cylinder retaining item.

 

[Kevtom]

Yes, I am positive that this is the lock retaining screw as it it the only one remotely in line with the lock. There aren't any more screws remotely in the vicinity. I know this is unusual. My other UPVC door at the back.of the house does have a standard 'posidrive' shaped head. I can't ask the installer as they went bust several years ago. Probably, due to fitting these stupid security screws! I can only imagine that the screw was supplied with the lock, as the other frame screws are Philips heads!

 

[Alarm]

Could be hidden, got a photo of the cylinder and door edge?

 

[Kevtom]

No, its not hidden, that is the cylinder retaining screw, right in line with the bottom of the cylinder, just like all the others. I will take a photo of it in the morning, although I don't know how clearly the screw head pattern will show up. I can't understand why there is nothing remotely like the 'curved slot' pattern in any of the many 100 piece security bit sets being advertised on the Internet. If I knew what the name of the head pattern was called, I'm sure I could track one down.

 

[Alarm]

Perhaps because it is one not on general sale.

 

[Pinnacle69]

can you drill it and use a screw extractor perhaps or worst case scenario snap the cylinder they always break where the retaining screw goes

 

[Kevtom]

Thats getting a bit technical for me and I wanted to avoid the 'brutal' approach at this stage. I have uploaded a couple of photos of the 'propeller' shaped head head if anyone can help with what the head pattern is called and where a suitable screwdriver bit can be obtained? Or, if anyone has seen anything like it before? The head size is the sane size as they use in most other PHILIPS head cylinder retaining screws.
Many thacnks

 

[Kevtom]

I meant to say that the photo's of the screw can be viewed by clicking on my profile to the left and selecting the photo album. Thanks

 

[EddieM]

would some of http://jbtoolshop.co.uk/drill-cutting-bits?page=1&sort=3a]these[/url] (the security ones) work, it think the name is something like offset philips screw.

 

[crank39]

Can't see the picture on your profile but why can't you just use a small flat bladed screwdriver, the screw shouldn't be that tight, they're only just nipped up

 

[Kevtom]

Hi Eddie, There doesn't seem anything suitable in the 'toolshop' link you sent me. As far as I know there is no such thing as a Philips 'offset' screw, but merely an offset screwdriver for better access. There are PHILIPS head screws that are not in line, but they all have straight slots. This screw has 4 curved slots and looks a bit like a propeller, as you can see from the photos I have loaded. I am getting the impression that this is a specialist screw head invented by the lock manufacturer or door installer, although I can't understand why they would make it so difficult to replace the lock.

 

[Kevtom]

Mr Crank. A small flat headed screwdriver will NOT grip the curved slots and it is tight without the proper screw bit. The photos can be view by clicking on my name and then scrolling down to the 'Image Albums' in the bottom left corner. You can then select the two photos of the screw head.