DW660 - Removing the tool-free collar?

[BHSPitMonkey]

As suggested throughout the wiki and forum, I'm trying to remove the tool-free collar from my DW660. However, this step is giving me some trouble:

Remove the snap ring and the tool free collar comes off.

So far I haven't been able to get this ring to budge or bend much out of its original spot. I've tried prying it out of place with a flat-head screwdriver with no success.

Any suggestions?

[dr00bie]

I had to use a set of snap ring pliers, but the tips were bigger than the holes, so I had to kinda mess with it for a bit before I got it off. It is super tight. If you don't have any snap ring pliers, then you might be able to use a set of needle-nose pliers, but you gotta have a alot of dexterity and patience! You may also be able to pry one side off, but you will need to secure the other side somehow, or it will just take up the slack and not let you get anywhere.

Drew

[BHSPitMonkey]

I finally managed to get it pried loose (using a precarious combination of small knives ) Wish I had one of those tools handy.

[xenoputtss]

(using a precarious combination of small knives )

Must be the ninja inside of you trying to work their way out.

[levlandau2]

Snap rings are a huge PIA sometimes. I have spent hours trying to remove/install some of them. Eventually I bought the pliers.