Rifle stripped and inverted in my lap, I just take the blunt can opener tip on my GI Camillus USN pocketknife and engage it into one of the clip holes, pull out and down, clip unsnaps. To replace, engage front end, then snap the clip back on the rifle with flat of my hand. I haven't done a whole lot of them but I haven't cracked any yet... maybe have changed out 3 rifles. Your mileage may vary, as they say, caveat emptor; I'm sure Bill Hollinger is right and you SHOULD have a proper tool...