How to best remove knobs

[scottyboy]

Hello all. I have EMG's and I expect the battery to be going shortly. I usually have it changed with a tune up but I'm in Vermont for the summer and can't find a genuine guitar tech.

So my question is, what is the best way to remove the volume and tone controls on a Strat? I looked at Stew Mac and they have a puller but it is something like $35. If I need to get it, I will but I wanted to check with my fellow forumites first.

Any and all help would be appreciated.

Scott

[JDJ]

Take a strip of cloth, about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide. Cut a short slot in the middle. Fit the knob through the slot. Twist the ends to tighten up the slot around and underneath the knob. Pull up with force.

[Slipjack]

I never thought of that. Ingenius.

Edit: What if some idiot super glued them on?

[jonleecourage]

I loop shoelaces around under the knobs - one loop will do - and wiggle them up gently.

[scottyboy]

Thanks so much. You guys saved me some dough.

Should we ever meet, the first beer is on me.

Best wishes,

Scott

[CAFeathers]

I put a cloth down under the knob and then use the business end of a spoon to gently pry up.

[scottyboy]

Chet-good work on "the business end of a spoon". I never thought about a spoon in that way.

I may use that line some day but I guarantee I will footnote you.

Scott

[JDJ]

Superglue may require the use of a Dremel tool.

[Flavum]

Originally posted by CAFeathers
I put a cloth down under the knob and then use the business end of a spoon to gently pry up.

I use this technique as well, except I use two spoons to pry the knob up evenly from both sides. Works perfectly, and knob doesn't fly across the room. Tom

[scottyboy]

I cannot believe how close I was to wasting money for a knob puller at Stew Mac. Funny how all of these ideas make so much sense but until they were mentioned here, I couldn't see the forest for the trees.

Thanks again for all the help. That is why I love this place.

Scott

[hunter]

Wrap a handkerchief or napkin around the pot shaft under the knob and pull it up by the ends. Work your way around the knob to lift up sides evenly if necessary. They'll come off. Spoon works too - just be careful about the finish.

hunter

[Larry Wallwart]

2 spoons. One on each side acting as two levers

[ottobahn]

A plastic grocery store bag works pretty well. Just wrap it around the shaft and pull.

That sounded sort of dirty, didn't it.

[mbratch]

I have a friend who's telekinetic. I have him come over and stare at the knobs for a few seconds, then "pop" they come off. ;)

[VCuomo]

Wrap dental floss underneath the knob and around the pot shaft, then using both ends of the floss, pull up.

Or, if you have some, try the same technique but use that flat waxed (about 1/8" wide) string that you can get at most hardware stores.

[scottyboy]

Originally posted by ottobahn
A plastic grocery store bag works pretty well. Just wrap it around the shaft and pull.

That sounded sort of dirty, didn't it.

Certainly did but I understood your point. Thanks.

Not sure if you can use "knob" and "shaft" in a sentence without it sounding dirty, at least in my fully perverted mind.

Scott