Stuffer pressure release valve removal..."e clip"...HELP!

[SherryT]

I just unboxed my new stuffer (Game Winner 5lb from Academy).

As I was reading the instructions to break down/clean, it says to remove the pressure release valve. The problem is how the thing is secured...I believe it's called an "e clip" (this is not the valve in my stuffer, but it looks the same for reference).

So how do I get this thing off? I tried pulling it off horizontally using a set of needle nose pliers, but it won't budge. Do I need a special tool? I'm assuming this is going to HAVE to come off for cleaning, so I'm basically stuck here with a batch of bangers ready for stuffing in the fridge.

HELP???

 

[tbern]

Try to get a flat blade screwdriver in between the clip and the shaft and pry it off. Be careful, as the clip can spring off and get lost.

 

[Nefarious]

It might also be a problem getting it back on after you get it off, how strong is the spring?

It looks all stainless, so I'm not sure I would take it apart. Use a tooth brush to clean it if you can manually

 

[Winterrider]

Sure that whole thing doesn't pop out of the plastic plunger? If not, what @tbern suggested

 

[SherryT]

Try to get a flat blade screwdriver in between the clip and the shaft and pry it off. Be careful, as the clip can spring off and get lost.

A-HA! Broke out my set of eyeglass screwdrivers...that did the trick.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tbern]

Great you were able to get it off!

 

[SmokinEdge]

@tbern has you covered. There shouldn’t be a spring so just be carful the clip doesn’t get away from you. Going back on, just steady horizontal pressure at the center of the clip will push it back on.

As a side I never take mine off, it has a threaded nut on top, I use plenty of warm soapy water and a brush to clean it, even a tooth brush if I really want to get down in around the stem.

 

[SherryT]

It's been a while AND a new stuffer so they're a bit uneven, but here's my small batch of bangers (about 2lbs)

...

Thanks for the replies and help!

 

[TNJAKE]

It's been a while AND a new stuffer so they're a bit uneven, but here's my small batch of bangers (about 2lbs)View attachment 645672...

Thanks for the replies and help!

Nice job!

 

[indaswamp]

As a side I never take mine off, it has a threaded nut on top, I use plenty of warm soapy water and a brush to clean it, even a tooth brush if I really want to get down in around the stem.

That and a good soaking with 50/50 bleach and water....

I never take mine off either. Sanitize with star-san before net use and good to go.

 

[SherryT]

I ended up removing it to clean...there was meat in the hole and I couldn't get it out using a brush.

 

[tbern]

It's been a while AND a new stuffer so they're a bit uneven, but here's my small batch of bangers (about 2lbs)View attachment 645672...

Thanks for the replies and help!

they look very good, nice job!!