Is there a good tool for pulling bridge pins?

[XYRN]

Does anyone make a good, safe, non-marring tool designed for pulling bridge pins?

I've seen videos of people gently using wire cutters, and I have an old Ernie Ball el cheapo winder that has a cut-out designed for levering out pins, but it doesn't fit well, and the idea of getting wire cutters anywhere near the top on my Kennedy is frightening. So far I've been just using my fingernails but last week I ended up bending one backward (ouch!) while prising one up.




I'm thinking something like a tiny two-pronged pickle fork or something similar would work well, especially if purpose built and with rounded edges, etc.



Thanks.

[zombywoof]

I bought a string winder with pin puller from Stewmac. Just a cheap little thing but it has worked fine so far.

[zombywoof]

Forgot to mention Stewmac also sells a pin puller on its own.

[PTC Bernie]

I cringe when I see people using wire cutters on bone pins.

There are a lot of winders with that slot for pulling pins and I've always found them easy to use and never damaged a pin using one.

[Mike777]

This is what I use.



Works well. I have yet to use the bottle opener function.

[gitnoob]

Loosen the strings, push them to either side of the nut out of the way, and push the pins out from inside the guitar. If they're stubborn, push them out with something hard, like a quarter.

[XYRN]

Originally Posted by gitnoob

Loosen the strings, push them to either side of the nut out of the way, and push the pins out from inside the guitar. If they're stubborn, push them out with something hard, like a quarter.

Doh! Hadn't thought of that.

I'm not sure what it is about the Ernie Ball winder pin slot, it just seems too snug, like I have to wiggle it and give it a bit too much force to get it onto the ball of the pin. I know ebony is hard, but I don't like the idea of forcing any tool.

I'll look into the dedicated puller from Stew-Mac, too.
Thanks all!

[Landru]

I have one from some online store - just google and look around. This particular tool is made of metal and rubber to guard the bridge while using. The brand is a Crafter - let me see if I can find this online . . . . . .

O.K. - here's one from Elderly ( no rubber guard )

http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/CBPR.htm

And the one I have

[Landru]

One more try - Crafter with rubber guard.

http://kitharra.com/index.php?route=...product_id=239

Highly recommended by me.

[FormerFoodie]

Originally Posted by gitnoob

Loosen the strings, push them to either side of the nut out of the way, and push the pins out from inside the guitar. If they're stubborn, push them out with something hard, like a quarter.

This is my method of preference, and it works all the time.

[XYRN]

Originally Posted by Landru

One more try - Crafter with rubber guard.

http://kitharra.com/index.php?route=...product_id=239

Highly recommended by me.

Looks good! How much in $US is 86,000 RP though?

[Landru]

Originally Posted by XYRN

Looks good! How much in $US is 86,000 RP though?

Haha - yeah . . pretty funny.

Don't remember, but I would guess around $15.

[Having Fun]

When I was searching for string changing videos, I found one where the guy said to loosen and remove the string at the tuner, then grasp the string about an inch or two above the pin and push downward at a slight angle. This releases the stress and the pin pulls out with fingers. Works on all my guitars.

[downtime]

Originally Posted by Mike777

This is what I use.



Works well. I have yet to use the bottle opener function.

+1 These work great. I wouldn't use anything where you have to pry the pin out because they inevitably mar the bridge.

[Saguache]

I have an old pair of 4" made in china sidecutters with the spring to hold them open. After about 2 cuts they had notches in them so I filed the cutting edges to round them and dipped them in the rubber stuff likes on the handles. I use a toothpick behind the pins as a fulcrum & with very little effort the pin will release. Quick & easy.