Choosing the right Security Fastener for your needs
An essential component for protecting property and keeping people safe
Security fasteners are an essential component for protecting property and in keeping people safe. But what level of security fastener should you specify to protect an assembly from theft and tampering?
'It all depends on what your application is and how important it is to you that it is protected.'
To help you decide on the right solution for your application we have created this simple security fastener guide. We have categorized our fasteners into the below 1-5 levels, 1 being the most popular/commonly used, ‘Entry Level Security’ and 5 being the 'Maximum Security Level' available.
Choosing the right security fastener for your needs ultimately depends on what your application is and how important it is to you that it's protected!
Introducing the Hafren Security ratings
So, what defines a fasteners security level? Put simply it’s how easy the fastener is to remove, our fasteners are divided into 1 of 2 types, either 1-Way permanent fasteners, or 2-Way removable fasteners.
1-Way Permanent Fasteners
They are designed not to be removable, should you need to remove them, then it can be extremely difficult, if not near impossible, you’ll likely find your only option is to cut them off or drill them out. It can be a real hassle and extremely costly, so if you do decide you’ll need to remove the fasteners in the future then its wise to specify a 2-way ‘removable’ fastener.
2-Way Removable Fasteners
When it comes to specifying 2-Way fasteners the security level is defined by the accessibility of tooling (how common/easy is it to get hold of?). Level 1 security fasteners are highly popular products (cost-effective and easy to use), considered the ‘first-line’ of defence, offering more security than standard screw heads. In most cases Level 1 fasteners will succeed in deterring opportunistic criminals, or vandals. However, with a little time and effort a more determined criminal could get hold of tooling.
As we move up the security ratings scale the products become less common and the tooling more difficult to source; please see below our ratings scale for details:
Fasteners offer protection from vandalism and opportunistic crime. Driver tools can be purchased by the general public
Fasteners are less common and less recognizable. Driver tooling is non-standard and harder for the general public to buy.
Rare (less well-known) products. Supply of driver tooling is controlled, less readily available to buy, enhancing the security of the assembly.
Either 1-way permanent fixings, or rare Hafren patented high security products requiring specialist tooling to remove.
Highest security available. Products are either 1-way permanent fixings, or require bespoke exclusive, custom made driver tools to remove.