stuck backplate

[SousaSaver]

I think you mean the rotor caps. If you have one that is stuck, do not try to force it off. Take it to a repair shop and have someone have a look at it for you. Sometimes the rotor caps can be a bit snug on Miraphones.

[Dan Schultz]

A LIGHT 'rap' with a SMALL plastic or rawhide mallet in the center of the of the rotor cap is usually enough to allow them to be unscrewed. What happens here is that the stop arm screw on the opposite end of the rotor has been tapped and has driven the back bearing cap into the rotor cap... causing the threads to lock.

I this method does not work.... take it to a repairman. If he tears something up... he will know where to buy the parts to fix it!

[Dan Schultz]

A LIGHT 'rap' with a SMALL plastic or rawhide mallet in the center of the of the rotor cap is usually enough to allow them to be unscrewed.

Yep, that did the trick. Thanks!

Bravo!

[tclements]

One word - vicegrips. Use them all the time.

[Dan Schultz]

One word - vicegrips. Use them all the time.

Don't be silly, Tony. Vise-Grips are used for pulling stuck slides and twisting out trumpet mouthpieces!