Sifam Cap Removal Tool

[Siegfried Meier]

Hey all!

I've been using Sifam knobs for several decades now and own pretty much all the collet removal tools that are made. But, generally I have no issue removing the caps with my fingernails (which seems to always be the safest way without marring the edges). Right now, I'm trying to salvage a number of caps from a few 4k strips from the early 80's and I'm having a hell of a time getting them off without damaging them - I'm sure the plastic gets brittle over time.

So, while I've never seen an official cap removal tool, I have read that there is or was one available. Does anyone have any info on this? Does it work? Is it crap?

Keith had suggested years ago in a post here that filing down a plastic knife was an efficient method, and I'll try that today and see...but if there was a real tool for this, and it works, then I think it's certainly worth the investment.

Thanks for any info!
Sig

 

[dai h.]

there are a variety of plastic (also metal) "spudger pry tools" with a handle and tapered edge for getting in tight gaps. Maybe something shaped like this (sort of thumb fingernail shaped) could work? Should get a massive number of hits for tools and tool sets if you google, search on amazon, etc.

 

[ruffrecords]

Looks like a potential 3D print project.

Cheers

Ian

 

[Siegfried Meier]

there are a variety of plastic (also metal) "spudger pry tools" with a handle and tapered edge for getting in tight gaps. Maybe something shaped like this (sort of thumb fingernail shaped) could work? Should get a massive number of hits for tools and tool sets if you google, search on amazon, etc.

Ahhhh cool.

I actually did the sanding of the plastic knife trick, and it seemed to work out well...at least, better than any other method I've tried so far!

 

[13engrsapper]

I use those little plastic screwdrivers that come with oscope probes and such.

 

[dai h.]

(just an idea--maybe if you only need to remove a couple--some sort of tool is probably better if lots) get a thin string, tie it into a loop, lube it with ethanol, then see if you can work your way in. Then loop the string loop again, get another piece of that string under, hopefully be able to pry the gap and lift the cap (maybe also try to get at it from an opposite side (for more leverage)).

(something like that) can work for difficult to release push on knobs. Get a fat string that's flexible enough to get under a panel and the knob, make a loop, get it under both sides, then pull up. Shouldn't mar the knob or panel. (But make sure it's not a collet type first!--I've seen someone "go nuts" and drill through the knob to release it since they apparently weren't aware of collet knobs--a bit of horror comedy).

 

[pucho812]

I have had much success using a single edge razor. They are super thin and you can get it in the gap of where the cap covered the knob. if you're careful you will not cut your fingers or hands, and you will not mark the cap.

 

[Script]

Guitar plectrum. One edge sharpened, if still to thick. Can pry open cell phones and laptops with that.

But will also try floss next time.