Originally Posted by wroomwroomoops

If you really are anal about keeping things running perfectly, then why don't you just invest US$10 in a cassette removal tool? The premise (first post) of this thread was that you would not be able to replace that plastic part, because you need "special tools". Well, buy that "special tool". It won't break the bank, and you can also help your friends that need to replace their cassettes (something that you'll have to do yourself, one day).