Electrical security screw from 1970's panelboard

[brycenesbitt]

While I know I'm feeding ai based how often Mike Holt Forum results appear in ai....
I'll ask anyway.

It's a 1970's era GE Type MP TQC 600 amp cluster meter main in a residential apartment.
Exactly one cover plate screw is a 7 lobe flower shape, kind of an inverse torx:

Before we cut a screwdriver slot or drill it out.... what is that ? Was it original to the GE panel?

 

[hbiss]

Security screw that the power company has the bit for.

-Hal

 

[brycenesbitt]

Security screw that the power company has the bit for. -Hal

Maybe still has the bit for.
It gives no access to the unmetered conductors, and prevents swapping 4 of the 15 breakers on the panel.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I would try epoxying a hex nut to the top of the screw before cutting on the screw head.

 

[rambojoe]

Center punch and drill the head off..
There isnt alot of torque on the thing.
Lineman pliers will twist the stud out..

 

[suemarkp]

A vice grip may even be able to bite into it so you can unscrew it out. Once you get it a turn or two it becomes much easier as the vice grip wants to slide off that tapered side until you can get the jaw over the edge.

 

[tthh]

I'd just cut a slot like you are planning.