Removing String Through Body Ferrules

[funkycarnivore]

Ah, vanity.

Just got a set of gold hardware for my bass, and it included the string ferrules. The original nickel ones are very securely fastened. Is there any good way to remove them? I thought of pushing them out from the top of the body but it doesn't look like there's enough room.

Worse comes to worst, I'll just leave the nickel ones. They're on the back, anyway.

Thanks for any help!

[Rune Bivrin]

What I would probably try is to take a screw remover, thread that in and then gently wiggle it and then pull. A regular screw of appropriate size might also work.

Another option is using a soldering iron to warm up the ferrules, and melting any glue that's been used.

But you run the risk of failure, ending up with scratched nickel ferrules.