Triangular-headed screw key for GPO Flameproof telephone?

[LRS0001]

Hello All

Has anyone successfully made or located one of these shrouded triangular-headed screw keys used on the GPO Flameproof telephone base units? (see pic)

These special keys would have been originally supplied with the phone, but most of these have probably long since been lost over time.

Any advice on fabricating one of these keys or if anyone may happen to know where I may find one, would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks;

[armitage]

you 'may' be lucky with something like this, which is widely available :-

http://www.screwfix.com/p/services-cabinet-key/16428

[pmmunro]

You could try one of these:

http://www.replacementkeys.co.uk/uti...SjpwgodFqcAqgx

http://www.pudseydiamond.com/KEYS/Vi...-products.html

http://www.smithfrancistools.co.uk/box.htm


They are known as triangular keys although the triangular bit is what they fit.
I can't find find a catalogue entry for Smith Francis Priory keys on their website but they certainly made them until at least 2 years ago.

If you can find a friendly local street lighting man he'll probably have some thing to fit in his collection of keys.

PMM

[Biggles]

What size are they? I use the BT type at work for certain types of telecoms cabinets but these are probably larger than you require. If you can measure the size I will compare the one I have.
Alan.

[LRS0001]

Many thanks to everyone's suggested key suppliers.

Originally Posted by Biggles

What size are they? I use the BT type at work for certain types of telecoms cabinets but these are probably larger than you require. If you can measure the size I will compare the one I have.
Alan.

Alan, do you know at what two points of the triangle do you measure from in order to correctly size it? (see pic) (Line A) or (Line B)

Thanks

[Radio_Dave]

Will an ordinary six sided socket or box spanner fit?

David

[richrussell]

I was going to suggest a standard hex socket - they fit and work perfectly well on triangular headed bolts.

[Biggles]

Line A will do. The ones I use are probably about 12mm at a guess. If a socket will do, it will save you buying a triangular one. I'm pretty sure one of our suppliers have the proper tool listed.
Alan.

[LRS0001]

Thanks again for everyone’s feedback.

I will have a look at the socket suggestion this weekend as well as taking a measurement. Initial thoughts are that the socket wall lining thickness may be too thick to get between the fastener head and metal casing, but will give it a go and let you know.

Many thanks;

[Herald1360]

A good quality socket may have thinner walls than a cheapo. You can check the size needed from the side lengths of the triangle compared with a measurement of any old socket as in picture...

If you want to make your own tool, get a bit of pipe, squeeze with a large (lathe?) chuck and file the outside to fit the hole. It can't need a lot of torque to remove them so any old bit of steel wil do.

[bobsterkent]

if the standard bt cab key is too big them a lamp post entry key might fit. aword with a friendly local authority person might get you one

[Andy Green]

You could try an electrical trade wholesalers
I've got multi sized keys like that from them before

Just make sure you go in and lean nonchalantly on the counter and don't appear to be in any sort of rush ;-)

[Nickthedentist]

...and always ask "Any discount, mate?" which seems to reduce the price to about 25% of what they originally quote!

[Station X]

Gas or electricity meter box key? Mine has approx 10mm sides.

[richrussell]

That's what I discovered a hex socket works nicely on

[timewave]

Spotted this whist working on the Isle of Man last week. Shouldn't be too difficult to make one to your own dimensions.

John G4IJD

[Herald1360]

That's just a typical meter box key.

Here's mine: