Oval Shimano handle knob cap removal?

[greatbarracuda]

Howdy, all my reels have traditional circle caps with the hole but seemingly these newer reels have oval caps without a hole. Are there instructions on how to remove these anywhere without scuffing them up? Hoping to swap some bushings for bearings..

[Slazmo]

You'll find they will have a seam line where they meet the plastic tube, where you can get a sharp flat edge under and pop them up. Work from either side to wobble them up and out if they're a bit persistent.

Like on the newer 200, 300 & 400 Tranx's et al...

[Bantam1]

I use a small jewelers type flat head to pop them off. Same one I have been using for years to remove most of the pop in type caps on our handle knobs.

[greatbarracuda]

Thank you both! To be sure, is it prying it from the center tube? And is it an insert/twist or brute force deal?

[Bantam1]

Get the edge of the screwdriver under a corner and simply pop the cap upward. The force needed isn't that high.

[greatbarracuda]

Belated thanks again! Can’t wait to get this slx xt out on the water!