Stihl oil seal removal

[Roundhead]

I have been searching around for an alternative tool to remove oil seals but nothing is showing up. I know the seals can be removed without the special tool but I don't really want to mess anything up. Do you all use the special tool or can this be done being extremely cautious with  a small flat screwdriver or pick?

[AdkStihl]

More than 1 way to skin a cat. I use a drywall screw most of the time. A modified screwdriver works well too.

[nmurph]

Here's what I use...026 seals are a bit of a challenge, but I can get them out with this-

 

Don't cheap out on the screwdriver. The first one (pictured on the left) was a cheap-o and the hook broke off. I had to use a magnet to fish the piece out of the bearing. I made my second one with a Snap-On and I have removed hundreds of seals with it. I ground it to the same size and it works well. I don't know what happened to the small one in the pic, but I have not needed it.

I have also seen pics of pullers made from hawk-billed knives.

[Roundhead]

Here's what I use...026 seals are a bit of a challenge, but I can get them out with this-

 

Don't cheap out on the screwdriver. The first one (pictured on the left) was a cheap-o and the hook broke off. I had to use a magnet to fish the piece out of the bearing. I made my second one with a Snap-On and I have removed hundreds of seals with it. I ground it to the same size and it works well. I don't know what happened to the small one in the pic, but I have not needed it.

I have also seen pics of pullers made from hawk-billed knives.

thanks. I guess you just break through the rubber part and hook onto the metal to remove it. seems pretty simple. and I guess the danger is damaging the metal surface. care to elaborate on the procedure? I'm a little slow

[nmurph]

You've got it. If you make a hook like I did, make sure you radius all of the edges so you don't scratch the crank.

I jamb it straight down against the crank and wiggle it in. Then twist it a little and pry up. Then move around about 1/3 of the way and repeat. Then repeat if necessary. Most seals will pop out the first time you pry.

[MidWestTree]

The do it yourself hook tool works well. As an alternative I find that drilling a small hole in the outer metal rim of the seal and starting a screw down into it until it gets a good bite allows you to pull it that way by using your tool of choice to pry up on the screw and pop the seal up and out.

[smmyb123]

Use whatever small prying tool works for you. Like others have previously stated, just dont scratch the crank. I have found that tapping the seal inward with a socket and hammer breaks the bond and makes it much easier to pry out.

[joe_indi]

Use any suitable tool to tap a hole in the mettalic portion of the seal and twist the tool in all directions to bend the outer portion of the seal inwards. Repeated thrice more to form a cross will loosen the seal's outer from its seat and it will be asily removable