Plastic top hat knobs stuck

[NOVAX]

...to knurled shaft potentiometers. They are brand new. I fit
them, they were real tight. Like a fool I jammed them on anyway.
Now, none of them want to budge with my finger pressure. Does
anyone have any suggestions? In lieu of buying the $40 StewMac
knob puller, or crushing the plastic off with a pair of pliers.

[bassteban]

You might try sliding a credit card under the knob, then slip a knife between the card & knob and gently pry at it, a bit at a time. Take your time.

[202dy]

Screwdrivers are inserted opposite one another on both sides of the shaft. Pull up on both screwdrivers at the same time. Knob will pop off. The idea is to apply the force parallel to the shaft. Prying on one side shifts the vector off parallel, making it harder to pull the knob.

If you are worried about scratches you can use Popsicle sticks.

[NOVAX]

You guys are incredible, thanks. I'll try again
after I calm down and have a relaxed go at it.

[joeyl]

I use a fork where the middle prongs are missing, the curve makes a good fulcrum

[XylemBassGuitar]

You can also use heavy twine. Wrap the center of a piece under the knob a couple of times then pull on the ends of the twine. This way you don't have any chance of scratching the bass.

Careful, you might need to hold down the bass while you pull.

A little off topic here but...joeyl, I'm pretty sure yours is my favorite avatar, it makes me chuckle every time I see it.

[NOVAX]

Originally Posted by joeyl

I use a fork where the middle prongs are missing, the curve makes a good fulcrum

That is totally the ticket! Worked like a charm, after a
couple of tugs. No mars, no scratches, no errors.

[NOVAX]

Originally Posted by XylemBassGuitar

You can also use heavy twine. Wrap the center of a piece under the knob a couple of times then pull on the ends of the twine. This way you don't have any chance of scratching the bass.

Careful, you might need to hold down the bass while you pull.

A little off topic here but...joeyl, I'm pretty sure yours is my favorite avatar, it makes me chuckle every time I see it.

Totally solid idea and probably a good choice if ones hand+eye
coordination isnt tight. Thanks for the input.

[joeyl]

Originally Posted by XylemBassGuitar

A little off topic here but...joeyl, I'm pretty sure yours is my favorite avatar, it makes me chuckle every time I see it.

haha thanks, I got it from the french bass forum, it was titled "Chat Volant" which means flying cat.

[joeyl]

Originally Posted by NOVAX

That is totally the ticket! Worked like a charm, after a
couple of tugs. No mars, no scratches, no errors.