C/E Clip removal - who has the best technique?

[boon]

After spending a silly amount of time last night hunting for a low-flying C-clip I figured someone on here must have a better technique for removing them than I do.

Currently I just get 2 small flathead screwdrivers and push on each point of the C - this is really really tricky if the c-clip has a tapered point though, or is covered in grease, or is on something like a spool shaft that just spins if your pressure isn't 100% even. You know, like 90% of the ones you find in reels. Usually I try to push the clip just a tiny bit off the shaft then I get the tip of a screwdriver between the shaft and the "belly" of the C and lever it off but half the time it goes flying anyway.

So, what tools/technique do you guys go for?

[foakes]

Everything you are doing is good, boon --

Except, just do the same thing within a clear plastic bag...

This limits the speed and trajectory of the "C" clip to a few inches -- instead of Low Earth Orbit.

Got to listen to the old guys -- a wise old codger taught me this common sense technique.

A good, sharp pair of tweezers is also better than a couple of screwdrivers -- and more controllable.

Best,

Fred

[boon]

That's a great tip, thanks!

The picture also gave me an idea... I might get an old pair of needle-nose pliers and try filing the ends almost flat - would give a little more control and "push" than tweezers, perhaps?

[RowdyW]

I use a tool that looks like an ice pick with the end bent 90 degrees. I hook it inside the back of the clip & put my finger on top of it & pull the clip loose. I got the pick set at HF for less then $4. It comes in a set of 4 different shapes. Great for removing "O" rings too.                 Rudy

[Cortez_Conversions]

Like Rudy, I use the hooked tool. When I'm not feeling confident, I put everything(hands too!) in a large clear plastic bag so the UFO won't go too far.
Tom

[bigggfish]

I use my credit card.....that is to say, I buy lots of extras from McMaster Carr.  Then I use a precision screwdriver and don't sweat it if I lose one to low flying Martians.

[handi2]

I don't push on the ends. It's better (like above) to catch the back side of the clip with a tiny screwdriver or hooked tool. It works on the smallest of clips and you have a free finger to catch the clip.

[bluefish69]

Guys 

There is NO FUN in putting them in a plastic bag or using a small screw driver in the back of the "C" Clip. Just POP them out & let them fly. Now got on the floor with the Dog or Cat & enjoy yourself.

Mike

[foakes]

All you guys are way too smart for me!



Good tips, fellas.

I too never use a plastic bag -- but that is what I recommend when starting out on reel servicing -- plus not having a stock of parts on hand, makes a service frustrating when a little part is missing in action.

Best,

Fred

[swill88]

grease dopple

[Cor]

What a strange world!   Here I am sitting at my computer at 03h33 in the morning cause I can't sleep, thinking about a @#!! tiny C clip that did precisely that yesterday.

Trouble here is that it is very difficult to source a replacement, so bigggfish's technique won't work either!

[bigggfish]

PM me.  I'll send you some.  They are cheap and I have a supply of old stamps that my dad hoarded.

[alantani]

I use my credit card.....that is to say, I buy lots of extras from McMaster Carr.  Then I use a precision screwdriver and don't sweat it if I lose one to low flying Martians.

yeah, this is what i did!   

[Three se7ens]

I use a small screwdriver, slip in the space between the back side and the post, and twist the screwdriver to force the clip off the post.  And holding a finger on top of the c clip will keep it from flying most of the time. 

I typically have more trouble getting them on than off.  A good pair of needle nose pliers does a good job here though.  Just squeeze the back of the clip towards the post.

[SoCalAngler]

Like everyone else I use a small screwdriver to get them off. You may need a toothbrush to get off the old grease so you can see where to place the driver to pop off the clip.

Also like shown and stated above a pair of fine/small/thin needle nose pliers to put them back on may work better than tweezers.