got to be a better way...

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

I had to remove my dog dish covers today.  I have this silly tool I made to help remove withourt marking/scratching the wheel, but I am sure there is a better way.

Need a better invention...ideas

[MikeSimon]

I always thought the "original" tool was the "blade end" of the lug-nut wrench which was part of the toolkit in earlier cars. My 280SL lug-wrench has a blunt end, because it doesn't have dog-dish hubcaps. If you don't like it, there are many tools available for removal of door panels, etc on modern cars. They are made of plastic and may work well.

[mdsalemi]

My fingers do the walking and talking. I just yank the suckers off...and pound them back on with the heel of my hand.

But if you need something more elegant try a plastic "tire iron" used for bicycle tires. Many of the tubes I buy now COME with a set of two or three at no charge.

[rwmastel]

I had to remove my dog dish covers today....

Mike,
Your 280 has the dog dish center covers? I think your advice is great for full wheel covers.

John,
I feel I've seen this discussed before, did you try a search?  I agree that damaging the wheel paint is not preferred.  I've been frustrated with the same issue in the past.

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

Thanks Rodd.  I did try several differently worded searches to no avail. 

Actually my "tool" does work but always looking for a better way, hence my question to see if members had some ideas

jb

[mdsalemi]

I have one piece wheel covers. But the prying off uses the same concept, at least I think so based on the tool shown. The plastic tire irons are a cheap way to try. Buy an extra tube for your bicycle from Amazon and make sure it's one of them that includes a free set...

[Mike Hughes]

A brake adjusting tool works beautifully for both the dog-dish caps and the trim removal rings.  I wrap it with tape to avoid marring the paint finish on the wheels.

[J. Huber]

I use the aforementioned curved end of the lug nut tool. It is a good fit on the hub cap edge. Gets good leverage. However, I learned to place a good sized towel or small blanket in front next to the wheel. The cap sometimes comes jumping off.

[Mike Hughes]

'Deed it does!  I palm the cap but sometimes it gets away.  Good tip!

[MikeSimon]

The dog dish hubcaps require a larger force/effort to remove than the later 280SL full size covers.