Opening glued plastic enclosures

[Wild Bill]

I've accomplished this with various methods, but the easiest way I've found
is to use a vise.
The glued cases are generally 2 halves with an overlapping seam that glued
with instant glue. By applying just enough force to just the seam area, the
glue usually lets go with a sharp "pop" sound.

The flat jaws of a vise aren't ideal for concentrating the pressure to just
the seam area, but if some round metal rod (about 1/8" diameter) is held to
that location with tape, the pressure can be applied right where you want
it. The round rod is less likely than a sharp edge, to mark the plastic
case/box.

Any spots that don't pop open can usually be persuaded with a plastic tool.

I've opened wall warts, battery packs and other glued cases with this method
without causing any obvious cosmetic damage.

Cheers
WB

 

[Wild Bill]

Crap.. I guess that's what happens when posting from the Outbox

Cheers
WB

 

[The Real Andy]

Crap.. I guess that's what happens when posting from the Outbox

A big hammer usually works well too!

 

[Art]

Applied pressure and the use of some rather nice little knives to etch along
the separation joint. Normally scribe along the separation joints with the
knives until they separate but a bit of applied pressure tend to make the
job just a bit easier.

 

[Jac]

What about adding some heat with a hot air gun? I know loctite doesn't take
much heat to give up.