GPA knob. How do you get this thing apart?

[Tidetraveller]

So I got my GPA knob today and I was going to do the switch but I cant get the thing apart. No directions provided, the "key" they provide doesn't fit the the wholes on the knob. BTW, I ordered the silver knob in Blue Avio for my FA but they shipped a gold knob for a SW. Even the invoice says Silver and Blue Avio... I'm not that upset because I'll just use it on my 18K.. that is if I can get the thing apart?

I looked at the video on the lurepassion site and they use a different tool altogether. I'd rather just figure it out without having to do the return. Any ideas?

[hafnor]

pics?

[mythosbeer]

Did you get it from Protackle? I'm sure Peter will be more than happy to help you..especially is you bought it from him.

[ProTackle]

Not from me but it sounds like they sent the wrong size key.

[hafnor]

I am sure you could open that cap if you use a plier with rubber protection.

[Tidetraveller]

Peter was out of supply when I ordered so I went elsewhere. I'm sure that the seller will help out just trying to avoid the hassle if there is and easy fix.

hafnor, see this video: It's in Italian but fairly straight forward. I need a way to separate the two metal halves from the EVA. The key they sent is different from what is used in the video.





This is the key they sent. I assume its a "key" because why else go the the trouble of packing it.

GPA Key.jpeg

[Tidetraveller]

I am sure you could open that cap if you use a plier with rubber protection.

Its a pretty pricey piece for what it is so.... I'd rather not mangle it if there is another way. I'll likely try and get the XL key sent to me if there's no quick fix.

[ProTackle]

I would not try using anything but the key as you will risk scratching it. The L and XL key are the same size and from your picture it looks like you have the right key. Are you sure you are using it the right way?

[Tidetraveller]

Hi Peter, this picture of the key was grabbed online... its not my key. I was just showing hafnor what the key looked like.
As for using correctly? The two protrusions on the bottom of the key would/should fit into two of the holes on the face of the knob and turn to separate the two piece metal part correct? In mine the protrusions do not fit into any two of the holes. The protrusions are not far enough apart to secure to the knob face. If this is wrong please let me know... No instructions were included in the packaging.

[MrBill]

It looks like you have the right key. I've replaced four stella knobs using the GPA aluminum hardware. I use my own knobs because the EVA supplied is way to small for my hands. However, I do like the product and probably need to buy some more.

In the pictures below you can see how the key fits into the male end. If I remember correctly, both male and female parts are machined of aluminum, so getting stuck shouldn't be a horrible problem. I might have a lot of trouble if I ever want to remove my knobs as I used locktite on the thread. The key provided is OK, but it can be bent. Just be careful and tap on the end a few times like you would a jar before opening. Then try the key again. Your male and female parts are just stuck together.

I just read where your key pins don't line up in the machined holes. Well, it appears to me that you have the wrong key. Try tapping the end again with a rubber mallet. It might break loose.