Recommend an alternative to Micromatic Regulator Seat Tool

[weirdboy]

Specifically I am talking about this thing:

http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-beer/tools-accessories-pid-741-082.html

I am looking for something that doesn't cost $97. I am taking apart a regulator and have discovered that I cannot remove the regulator seat. If you are not familiar with these premium regulators, the seat is a little threaded stainless steel ring that screws into the body. On the top, it has a depression cut into opposite sides that this tool fits into. You cannot just put a big phillips head (or similar) across the ring because there is a valve in the way.

I tried using a pair of needle-nose pliers adjusted such that the tips sat in the little depressions in the seat to try and unscrew it, but it wouldn't budge. So at this point I'd like any suggestions that do not involve a $97 single-purpose tool.

 

[Sea]

Buy a $5 flathead screwdriver and grind out the middle?

 

[weirdboy]

So, a $5 screwdriver + $50 grinder?

Also, just to make the dimensions clear, those slots on the ring are about 1/2" apart or so.

 

[Sea]

So, a $5 screwdriver + $50 grinder?

Also, just to make the dimensions clear, those slots on the ring are about 1/2" apart or so.

Okay. I sometime forget that not everyone has an ample supply of tools lying around.

How about some snap ring pliers? Probably $20, but it's better than $100.

http://www.motionpro.com/images/enlarged/08-0279.jpg

 

[weirdboy]

That might work. I did try needle-nose which are pretty similar, but those might fit better...

 

[bestsax]

Has anyone tried a "separator tool?" I just saw one online. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT IS! I have never used one, nor do I know how big it is. But, it's cheep! Anyone have an idea? Will this work?
http://www.tooltopia.com/k-tool-int...=cse&utm_term=KTI71501&utm_campaign=nextag_r1
or this link
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/t_10153_12605?tName=tie-rod-separator-tool.html

 

[JRems]

It's huge it's like 12" long it's to remove ball joints. It would NOT fit inside a regulator

 

[davebach]

Has anyone ever found an alternative to this tool? I have collected a lot of nifty tools over the years, but I won't buy a hundred dollar screwdriver.

I'm sure Micromatic knows this... it's cheaper for a consumer to buy a new replacement regulator TWICE than to buy the parts and their tool.

Dave