i take mine apart ALL the time. after each shoot i strip it all the way down. i use the small flat head driver i use to open it with. you know how you have to put it under the striker and pull the sleeve back? well when im done i hold the spring down with the driver and slide the top back on with opposite hand. never a problem. its a stiff one though, make sure it dont go flying when the tool slips off, the spring on the end is tiny and like to hide when set free, dont ask me how i know.