Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 So, today’s “little project” has already gone off the rails, before it’s even started. How do I get this off: Wondering if someone who’s done it can confirm whether the VK quartz Snoopy caseback is either:1. A (retarded) screw-on with no indents for a tool or2. A (retarded) press-on with no indents to get a case knife into?I’ve already scratched it trying the caseback knife, and almost given myself a hernia with a sticky ball, and there seems no way to gain access! But it’s pointless for me to continue trying to prise it off if it’s a screw-on. I just need to know for sure, so I can wreck it the proper way. My deepest thanks to anyone who can help! And to the rest of you who plan to post idle speculation or mockery... fuck you very much. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rusky27 1,905 Posted May 30, 2020 Instead of a rubber ball have you tried making a sticky ball of duck tape or a bunched up ball of carpet tape. Press down real hard so tape has a chance of grip. Try that it’s worked better for me in the past. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alhig72 3,090 Posted May 30, 2020 Its a screw on case back (my old one was) Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PickledBeetroot 2,952 Posted May 30, 2020 Gaffer tape wrapped sticky side out on a tennis ball, press and turn.... righty-tighty or lefty-loosey Just in case you were doing it arse about face edit* best send me the vintage omega you got from @Alhig72 just for safe keeping Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 Thanks to @Alhig72 for ACTUALLY ANSWERING THE QUESTION I ASKED. God bless you sir. Other peeps - cheers, I'm aware that other techniques are available. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 BTW - the grip of the sticky ball onto the glass/steel was absolutely phenomenal. The limiting factor seems to be that a) it appears to be Araldited in place, and/or b) I am a pathetic wimp with sod all hand strength. Now I actually know what I'm dealing with, I can attack it again with renewed vigour and sense of porpoise. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 9 minutes ago, NCRich said: Porpoise? They're known for their dogged determination. (Or it could be that I amuse myself by always saying "porpoise" instead of "purpose".) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 14,303 Posted May 30, 2020 I have a holder for gripping the watch. I put that in a vise. Then use both hands on the tape ball or sticky ball. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hasel5 4,913 Posted May 30, 2020 Send it to me i will get it off might take a while tho Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leet1983 2,178 Posted May 30, 2020 @Popperini are you doing a case back mod if so can you show me the results when finished Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 As I said, like the proverbial porpoise I am persisting and I WILL get this bastard off. I've got the watch head jammed in a case holder and am about to clamp it up so I can engage in an energetic bout of double-fisting. @Leet1983 Sure, will do... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 All clamped up and going nowhere, but I still can’t get the bugger to shift...Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 Stupid Tapa double post. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 14,303 Posted May 30, 2020 Well, at least this gives me something to do this morning. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 2 hours ago, hasel5 said: Send it to me i will get it off might take a while tho Thanks for the offer buddy. I may do so if I completely fail - although I'm not sure what magic formula you might have, aside from better grip than me! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 I've given up on the improvised techniques - this fucker is on for the duration. @Alhig72 suggested trying the Cousins suction grip tool: So I've ordered one of these with the 40 and 45mm dies. Splashing out £34 so I can get PROFESSIONAL on Snoopy's ass. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 14,303 Posted May 30, 2020 You have obviously never been the the NCRich school of watch repair. Epoxied the screwdriver to the case back, then put it in the holder and vise. Bitches. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Junior88 400 Posted May 30, 2020 Well, I was curious so I've been trying to get mine off. Bastard won't budge either. Go figure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
narikaa 129 Posted May 30, 2020 Be sure its a screw-down or a prise off All the VK quartz ones I've seen are prise off - and recalcitrate b'tards they are too with an almost imperceptible knife slot behind the 11 o'clock lug If so forget caseback knives use these: Locate the fairly sharp blade at the invisible knife slot and hold firmly in place while you get the back to lift with a swift tap (use the tool like you would a chisel) Having done that unless you have the prehensile strength of Mighty Joe Young in your fingers you'll need a caseback press set to get it back on 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 43 minutes ago, narikaa said: Be sure its a screw-down or a prise off All the VK quartz ones I've seen are prise off - and recalcitrate b'tards they are too with an almost imperceptible knife slot behind the 11 o'clock lug If so forget caseback knives use these: Locate the fairly sharp blade at the invisible knife slot and hold firmly in place while you get the back to lift with a swift tap (use the tool like you would a chisel) Having done that unless you have the prehensile strength of Mighty Joe Young in your fingers you'll need a caseback press set to get it back on LOL! Well, if that’s the case (pun intended), then I’ve spent a couple of hours pressing the bastard on even tighter! I’ll go take another look in a mo, see if I can find the invisible slot... Cheers for the intel Reg! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deju 2,070 Posted May 30, 2020 Oh why wasn’t this done live stream, we could have all enjoyed these antics 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 And LO! A gentle tap from a HAMMER, and it’s OFF. Oh mighty Hammer, is there anything you can’t do? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BravoDelta 23,326 Posted May 30, 2020 27 minutes ago, Popperini said: Hammer I like that hammer. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Popperini 18,905 Posted May 30, 2020 It turns out that there was absolutely no point in removing the caseback. The underside is solid metal...LOL. So, here’s Snoopy’s beating heart - the good ol’ VK:And I proceeded to prove that all this little project requires, is a hammer...With the glass smashed and removed, the bits I wanted to get at all simply fell out. The background is just a bit of printed cardboard. So, tomorrow I can get on with making a new Snoopy backdrop!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites