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?
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
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?
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
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
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.
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.
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
All you guys are way too smart for me!
;D ;D ;D
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
grease dopple
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. ;D ;D ;D
Trouble here is that it is very difficult to source a replacement, so bigggfish's technique won't work either! ???
PM me. I'll send you some. They are cheap and I have a supply of old stamps that my dad hoarded.
Quote from: bigggfish on June 06, 2016, 11:59:51 PM
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! ;D
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.
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.
(http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag355/SoCalAngler1/IMG_0645_zpscutmwzqr.jpg)
I use the bent pick too. Press a finger over the clip to hold it in place, then slip the point of the pick under the finger and pry the clip off from the back. Usually use a flat head screwdriver to press it back into place later.
-steve
I use one of these made by facom:
(http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b521/Tiddlerbasher/P1000050%20Medium_zpsvckhruge.jpg) (http://s1290.photobucket.com/user/Tiddlerbasher/media/P1000050%20Medium_zpsvckhruge.jpg.html)
(http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b521/Tiddlerbasher/P1000052%20Medium_zpsjsptqiz8.jpg) (http://s1290.photobucket.com/user/Tiddlerbasher/media/P1000052%20Medium_zpsjsptqiz8.jpg.html)
(http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b521/Tiddlerbasher/P1000053%20Medium_zps2x4jigju.jpg) (http://s1290.photobucket.com/user/Tiddlerbasher/media/P1000053%20Medium_zps2x4jigju.jpg.html)
One end 'hooks'onto the clip so you can pull it off but still retain it :)
The other end is for pushing it on.
Quote from: bigggfish on June 07, 2016, 04:06:24 AM
PM me. I'll send you some. They are cheap and I have a supply of old stamps that my dad hoarded.
So kind of you. Hope the old stamps still work.
I'll make use of that offer for sure.
Will send PM later in the week after i've done a thorough search. ??? ???
Quote from: bigggfish on June 07, 2016, 04:06:24 AM
PM me. I'll send you some. They are cheap and I have a supply of old stamps that my dad hoarded.
do you know the normal sizes used on the reels? (penn, shimano, etc)
I would like to buy a set with different sizes, those e-clips, Already have a bunch of the mini/micro flying springs (shimano handle clickers, shimano TLD 2 speend mechanism, senator dogs, etc.. I JUST HATE to put a job on hold for a $0.50 part.. and wait 15 days to get it to Baja.
I start them with a small pair of duckbill pliers then finish the job with a small standard screwdriver, make sure you have a finger on it or it will go live with the missing socks and other missing springs.
For E-Clips I use a tiny jewelers screwdriver with a small powerful magnet attached (from a computer hard drive) - tends to grip the clip so it doesn't launch into orbit.
A pair of surgeons forceps are good for tiny ones.
Haven't really got a good technique for removing C-Clips. I often look at special tools on Amazon and wonder how well they work?
~
Quote from: steelfish on June 07, 2016, 06:30:13 PM
Quote from: bigggfish on June 07, 2016, 04:06:24 AM
PM me. I'll send you some. They are cheap and I have a supply of old stamps that my dad hoarded.
do you know the normal sizes used on the reels? (penn, shimano, etc)
I would like to buy a set with different sizes, those e-clips, Already have a bunch of the mini/micro flying springs (shimano handle clickers, shimano TLD 2 speend mechanism, senator dogs, etc.. I JUST HATE to put a job on hold for a $0.50 part.. and wait 15 days to get it to Baja.
Steelfish, just Google E-Clip Assortment and you will find what your looking for.You can either get Stainless Steel or High Carbon Steel clips though SS may be better for the saltwater.
thanks.. I will do that.