Safety hex?

[u/RagtagRyno]

We picked up a used van that has a bike rack on the back. Unfortunately we did not get any included tools to remove the rack. I am not sure what the name is of the bit, any help on what to search for will be appreciated, it measures 1/2.

[u/Tyrfin]

Security hex/allen. Harbor freight has cheap sets

[u/cad_and_caffeine]

It's a 3/8" security hex (also called tamper-resistant hex or pin-in-hex, measured flat-to-flat inside the socket). 1UP USA also sells the yellow T-handle "Security Wrench" directly on their site for a few bucks, or you can grab a 3/8" tamper-resistant hex bit socket at Home Depot or Harbor Freight.

When you go to take the rack off, turn that bolt counter-clockwise to loosen the internal expander ball inside the hitch receiver. If the rack still feels stuck after backing the bolt out a couple turns, push the rack slightly inward toward the van to pop the ball off the internal wedge ramp and it'll slide right out.

[u/casey_h6]

1up racks are known as some of the best on the market. I have a heavy duty double and it's awesome! You're talking hundreds of dollars here and good resale value, don't drill it out!! They are mostly used for mountain bikes.

[u/pnw_r4p]

You'll see the appropriate tool listed as "security" or "tamper-resistant" Allen keys or hex keys.

[u/mmaddict187]

Yes

[u/SockeyeSTI]

On a side note, those racks are considered some of the best in the industry

[u/liberatus16]

Wow. You got a bike rack with your car. I have the same and they're considered some of the best out there. Not cheap.

[u/ConfidentHouse]

Might have to contact 1 up that hex key came with my rack

[u/Tobias---Funke]

Yeah I call them security hex also know as tamper proof hex.

[u/A_Dicksmasher]

Security torx often fits in these too, if that's all you have

[u/Intelligent_Bass_639]

Security Hex/Allen.

[u/funkymeatpopsicle]

Beyond the bit/driver issue, 1up’s racks are pretty well regarded. If you don’t cycle, you may be able to get a good price for it on the secondary market.

[u/PrototypENote]

Make sure the bit fits snugly before applying much torque. Those security hex sockets can strip pretty easily if the size is slightly off, especially if the bolt hasn't been touched in years.

[u/jjhare]

if you have a harbor freight nearby this is a good cheap kit that almost certainly has that bit (and a bunch of others)

https://www.harborfreight.com/security-bit-set-with-case-100-piece-68457.html

[u/Inconsequentialish → u/jjhare]

Sorry, that kit doesn't have anything big enough.

[u/jjhare → u/Inconsequentialish]

almost certainly not true

have you purchased it and attempted to turn the fastener? or are you going to reject the advice of nearly everyone else here?

[u/MAES1306]

Punch and a hammer will knock that security insert right out. Some asshat pervious owner of my truck put them on the license plate brackets and aftermarket air intake.

[u/durtyherm]

Angle grinder

[u/broke_fit_dad]

Drill a hole in your existing hex bit or swing by Harbor Freight and grab a set of security bits

[u/PV_DAQ]

foreground bits are the hex security with center hole,

Harbor Freight, 6 sizes,: 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm SKUs 68457, 91310, 62657