Why do so many bathrooms have tamper resistant screws?

Have you ever noticed that bathroom stalls are put together with one way or tamper resistant screws? Why?

Before they started using them was there an epidemic of people taking apart bathroom stalls? and besides what if you have to take it apart one day?

Some people get bored easily, and like to take things a-part to pass the time.
More here:
Things that require non-standard or unconventional tools

Hell, I’m a respectable teacher-type, and even I’ve been tempted to take apart a bathroom stall as a prank. The difference is…I know where to get the necessary tools for the job! :smiley:

Boy, if I had a nickel…

Are you kidding? With the amount of grafitti and general defacing of toilet stalls going on, you don’t think someone would find it humerous to disassemble it slowly, one screw at a time?

At my very first job. Wendy’s. I actually got extra hours, converting the Stall to tamper proof’s as someone had snuck the old stall door out.

Weird prank. I thought it was kind of funny back then, but was only 17.
So as I was driveway mechanic, manager asked if I willing to make change over. Much cheaper to pay me couple of extra hours at $3.40 then a real handyman/installer type.

A selection of “security” bits for your drill is a handy thing to have. Especially the Torx bits. They put up all sorts of signs with those…

To expand on this, bathrooms are relatively secluded, low-traffic areas with no video security. They are a tempting target for vandals.

On a slightly related note, I’ve noticed that most trailers and RVs use screws with a square hole in the middle of the head. Similar to a Torx screw but square instead of six-sided. Anyone know how or why this convention got started?

That’s a Robertson head screw. I see them a lot in furniture and cabinets.
From About.com

Face it. There are all too many indiviuals who take great pleasure in making life difficult for others, namely those who have to keep things working and in “Ship-Shape” condition for others to use and enjoy.
**A pox upon them, one and all. **

Plus, If you’re looking for assholes, a bathroom stall is a great place to find them! :wink: