My Rowenta P2 Professional steam iron has a worn power cord. I need to remove the heel plate to get at the cord, but the screws or nuts are a special type, similar to torx but with a screw in the center of the star, so a screwdriver will not go in. Where can I get a tool for this type of screw/nut?

Byron, November 2005

The screwdriver or driver bit that you are looking for is called a "Security Torx" driver. I'm faced with the same problem that you have. I don't want to order a new cord until I know that I can get the old one out. The internet says that these drivers are available at Ace Hardware although they may have to be ordered. Several "sets" of these drivers are available on ebay and my guess is that a size T20 will allow me to get to the cord of my Rowenta DE334 "Surfline". Good Luck

J. Cloutier, January 2006

I have a Rowenta DM880 that I have been working on. Removing the back plate to access the cord was also a problem for me. In case your model is similar, here is what I did.

The fasteners used by the manufacturer are two modified "torx" head screws. The 'modification' is a small pin in the center of the torx head which prevents the use of a normal torx driver.

I took my vise-grip tool and clamped two finishing nails side-by-side into the jaws. The nails extend straight out the end of the vise-grip (in line with its longitudinal axis). Then I simply inserted the tips of the finishing nails (now firmly clamped side-by -side) into the head of the fastener. The tip of the nails straddle the previously mentioned "small pin". At the same time they are seated into opposite corners of the torx head. And with a gentle amount of torque the fastener came out easily. Installation if the reverse.
Good luck.

Ken, November 2005