[Question] looking for three pronged screwdrivers

[Houses4Rent]

These stupid manufacturers use sometimes these special screws with three slots instead of 1 (flat) or 4 (philips). My not even 1y old kettle stopped working and as an engineer I want to know why. 3 of the 5 screws keeping it together are philips, but 2 of the 5 screws are the ones with 3 slots. I cannot get it apart unless I drill it out, but then I cannot get it back together if I manage to repair it.

Does anybody know where I can get these screwdrivers in Cape Town (Southern Subs)?

[pmbguy]

I have looked around for those special screwdrivers before and had no luck, so what I do is to use a thin drill bit and drill it a few milimeters into the screw. Then I put the drill in reverce, put some pressure, and the screw comes right out. This way you don’t damage the thread inside, allowing you to re-use the same wholes with normal screws

[AndyD]

I'm not sure exactly what the screw head looks like, maybe you can find a picture and attach it. I'd start looking somwhere like RS Components, they won't be cheap but they carry a massive range and will deliver to your door.

[adrianh]

The Chinese shops often have little screwdriver sets that include all those odd bits.

[Houses4Rent]

I have looked around for those special screwdrivers before and had no luck, so what I do is to use a thin drill bit and drill it a few milimeters into the screw. Then I put the drill in reverce, put some pressure, and the screw comes right out. This way you don’t damage the thread inside, allowing you to re-use the same wholes with normal screws

Thanks, brilliant and most cost effective and fast solution. I will try that. I actually have screw extractors, but not for such tiny screws.