Gibson toggle switch removal

robdynamite

I've just picked up a brand new les paul and i'm wanting to add a poker chip/toggle switch selector plate but i'm very vary of damaging the paint/threads on the toggle switch whilst trying to remove it. I bought one of these: https://www.thomann.de/gb/allparts_toggle_switch_wrench.htm in an effort to make life easy, but it turns out it's complete junk and doesn't work at all. It doesn't have the strength to loosen it. 

Any advice?

wackojacko

Hold the switch still from the other end and use flat headed pliers to loosen the nut. Shouldn't be so tight anyway that you have to buy a special wrench for it? 

SteveRobinson

I use one of these
http://www.wdmusic.co.uk/accessories-c14/tools-c50/allen-keys-and-wrenches-c51/esp-multi-spanner-p580

WezV

I have one of those plastic ones and it's worked well for about 15 years.  Quite worn now though

streethawk

It's not open heart surgery. Grab whatever is to hand and put some welly into it! 

ICBM

Before you do - it's quite likely that it won't fit back properly with a switch ring under it.

If the plastic one doesn't grip enough you probably need one of these…

https://www.gluedtomusic.com/en-gb/products/190/?gclid=COnms4m37dMCFU0Q0wodE6kE4A

Hoof

Pliers do the job fine. Maybe a bit of masking tape to protect the finish if you want to be ultra careful.

robdynamite

Hoof said:

Pliers do the job fine. Maybe a bit of masking tape to protect the finish if you want to be ultra careful.

Ideal, i was thinking what's ideal to protect the finish.

streethawk

robdynamite said:

Hoof said:

Pliers do the job fine. Maybe a bit of masking tape to protect the finish if you want to be ultra careful.

Ideal, i was thinking what's ideal to protect the finish.

Consider putting the masking tape on the face of the pliers, where they touch the top. Avoids leaving a sticky residue or lifting any finish.