On one of these occasions I was desperately trying everything I could 
find to unscrew one of these covers that was sealed on tight.  In our 
lab's junk drawer I came across a broken Masterlock padlock key.  The 
head of the key had been broken halfway off, providing a flat, 2cm-wide 
surface of just the right thickness to fit in the turbo cover's slot.  
Along with vise grips, this key has kept me from using up my loose 
change trying to open these things!


Richard Doucett wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> It's that time of year again, when I need to replace the oil wicks inside
> my Pfeiffer turbo pumps.  This usually involves a whole lot of profanity
> and torn skin as I try to unscrew the locking cover.  Has anyone figured
> out how to get these covers off without tremendous difficulty?
>
> Much obliged,
> Rick


-- 
Julia Cox
Dept. of Geology
University of Georgia
Athens, GA  30602
706-542-1005