by Raymond » 16 Feb 2025 22:32
Please let us know which lock is giving you troubles. There are so many different variations to choose from.
If you think pliers are your best solution then grind some down flat from needle nose or vise grips. I've never needed to in 60 years.
Most of the time I just use a small flat screwdriver. The blade must be thin enough to fit into the retainer groove. Put one finger on the other end of the retainer clip to prevent it from sliding. Use the screwdriver to hook the other tip and pivot it off. It pivots where your other finger is holding it from moving. Try the method of holding the screwdriver fully in your fist, put your thumb on the cylinder and squeeze your fist toward your thumb. This is not rocket science but it works most of the time. Remember not to stretch the clip too much so it is too loose on the plug.
Wait till you try to remove and replace the clip from a large format Yale core. They are fun.
Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool. Wisdom is not just in determining how to do something, but also includes determining whether it should be done at all.
