Best way to open and remove thimble

[Albicelesail]

The steel thimbles are narrowed around the swivel. Any idea how to open them up so they can be removed? Thanks

[UNCIVILIZED]

I've always just used a big screwdriver. They're not that stiff.

[Delancey]

Originally Posted by Albicelesail

The steel thimbles are narrowed around the swivel. Any idea how to open them up so they can be removed? Thanks
Attachment 145136

Try using same technique as is used to properly open an eyebolt.

Twist the legs of the thimble apart sideways rather than trying to pry the thimble open. Use a bench vice and vice grips or an adjustable wrench for big thimbles. If it is small one a couple of wrenches will usually do.

Twist the legs back together to close it. Will not distort the eye shape and allows you to maintain a tight fit where the ends meet.

Prying open then bashing closed with a hammer might get the job done but doing the job the right way requires less effort an produces better results.