Anti-theft screws, also known as security screws, are designed to deter unauthorized removal or tampering. There are various types of anti-theft screws, each with its unique design and mechanism to prevent standard screwdrivers or tools from turning them. Here are some common types of anti-theft screws:

Torx Security Screws (Tamper-Resistant Torx, Torx with Pin):

Torx security screws feature a star-shaped recess with a post in the center. This design requires a special Torx bit with a corresponding post to engage and turn the screw. Without the specific bit, standard Torx drivers cannot be used.

Hex Pin Security Screws (Hex with Pin, Hexagon Socket Pin):

Hex pin security screws have a hexagonal recess with a pin in the center. They are driven with a hex key that fits the recess and engages with the pin. The pin prevents the use of regular hex keys.

One-Way Security Screws:

One-way screws have a slotted or Phillips head on one side, but the other side has a smooth, dome-like shape that can be turned in only one direction. Once installed, it is difficult to remove without specialized tools.

Spanner Security Screws (Snake Eye, Two-Hole):

Spanner screws feature a pair of round holes on the screw head. A corresponding spanner bit or driver with two prongs is required to engage with the holes and turn the screw.

Tri-Wing Security Screws:

Tri-wing screws have a triangular recess that requires a matching tri-wing screwdriver. They are often used in electronics and are difficult to open without the proper tool.

Clutch Security Screws (Clutch Head, U-Drive):

Clutch screws have a round or square recess with a small protruding pin in the center. Special clutch bit drivers are used to install or remove these screws.

Pentalobe Security Screws (5-Pointed Star):

Pentalobe screws feature a five-pointed star-shaped recess and require a compatible pentalobe screwdriver. They are commonly used in consumer electronics, such as iPhones.

Tri-Groove Security Screws:

Tri-groove screws have a recess with three slots and require a matching tri-groove driver. They are often used for securing tamper-resistant applications.

Shear-Head Security Screws:

Shear-head screws are designed to break off after being tightened to a certain torque, leaving a tamper-evident security feature.

Security Screw with Snake Eye Spanner:

A combination of a spanner and snake eye design, these screws feature two round holes and a protruding pin. They require a matching snake eye spanner bit for installation.

Security Screws with Unique Patterns:

Some anti-theft screws are custom-designed with unique patterns or features that require a proprietary driver, making it extremely difficult for unauthorized removal.

Tamper-Resistant Screws with Breakaway Heads:

These screws have heads designed to break away or shear off once a specific torque is reached during installation, leaving behind a tamper-resistant cone.

Pin-in-Hex Security Screws:

These screws feature a hexagonal recess with a pin in the center. A pin-in-hex bit driver is required to engage the pin and turn the screw.

Slotted Pin Security Screws:

These screws have a slotted head with a pin in the center, and they require a slotted pin driver to turn the screw.

Other Proprietary Security Screws:

Various manufacturers and industries develop their proprietary security screws with unique features to meet specific needs.

Each type of anti-theft screw is chosen based on the level of security required, the ease of installation, and the intended application. It's important to select the appropriate type of security screw based on the specific security needs and the environment in which it will be used.