What Is the Purpose of Tamper Resistant Rackmount Screws

Manufacturers have to think of everything. If they are making a product that has the potential to harm a person or business entity they often need to brainstorm solutions that will provide a reasonable means of protection without sacrificing quality and ease of design. In the case of computer servers, electronics or audio equipment, tamper resistant rackmount screws are a good example of this protection.

Often the manufacturers are only looking to limit their liability. But regardless of the reason, many are using tamper resistant fasteners on their OEM rack rails and components.

What Is Tamper Resistant

Basically, tamper resistant hardware is made with a specially formed head that can only be tightened or loosened with specially formed tools. When you look at it in practical terms, this hardware merely makes it evident that tampering took place rather than trying to stop it completely. With enough force in the right manner, even these particular rackmount screws could be removed. The difference is that anyone looking at the system for warranty or to buy will be able to immediately tell it has been tampered with.

Examining the Different Types of Tamper Resistant Rackmount Screws

Available in all of the different sizes of rack screws, the tamper resistant heads often use a uniquely shaped recess. In order to use these fasteners you will also need to have a uniquely shaped, matching bit for your power drill, allowing you to install and remove the screw with ease.

The most common types of head seen on these screws look much like a Torx screw. They may have the same six points but at different angles or they may incorporate up to eight. The benefit of these heads is that the recess is tight and no other drill bit will work.

Corporations may want to invest in tamper resistant rackmount screws in order to keep their servers safely locked down. With sensitive information on the physical machines, these businesses are wise to use this simple step of security. In some cases electronics manufacturers also use these fasteners for very expensive equipment, which acts as a locking mechanism allowing the owners to use the racking system with less worry about theft.