Ampeg Rocket Screws

[Pete Hunt]

I went to clean out my early 60's Ampeg amp and tried to remove the chassis to get some of the layers of gunk out of the pots, etc. When I went to unscrew the faceplate I found that it was held in place by some of the weirdest screws I've ever seen. Nothing that I have (or that my friend the gear guy has)fits and I can't find a match on the internet. Does anyone have any ideas what sort of head fits these screws? Sure don't want to drill 'em out if I don't have to......

Thanks,
Pete Hunt

[Scott Swartz]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_screwdriver

I got a screwdriver for my Ampeg at the local Ace Hardware

[J Fletcher]

I know those screws! They aren't Robertsons, but similar. A green Robertson driver will work though. I just repaired one of those amps last week...Jerry

[Ken Fox]

Take a toothbrush and heat the end until it starts to melt. Shove it into the head of the screw and let it cool. Will make a nice tool. Learned that years ago when working in prisons from the inmates!

or check here for the correct tool:

http://www.fliptops.net/catalog/product ... cts_id=304

[Pete Hunt]

Thanks, Guys,

I'm sure that the Roberts driver would work, but I can't resist Ken's tip of something with the actual name of a "Weird Head Screwdirver" from fliptops.com.

Thanks again,
Pete

[Bill A. Moore]

They used to be popular in the 50's up into the 60's for automotive use. I have a couple of sizes that were mostly used on floor panels, and Holley carbs. Holley used them to hold the rear metering plate to the main body. Just looked in my Snap-On catalog, trey are now only availlable as 1/4" hex bits. I guess Ken's source is the best. Bill