How to open a CR2032 battery lid

[jgradyc]

I have a bicycle computer with one of those CR2032 batteries. It is the kind that opens with a recessed slot about the width of a quarter that you twist about an eighth turn to open. I've used a quarter and I can't get this thing to open. It's beginning to gouge the plastic edges. It's way too wide for a screwdriver. How can I open this darn thing?

Edited May 31, 2016 by jgradyc

[Omega]

Don't ask me, I've replaced my suunto cover 3 times already.  I even bought a suunto kit with a tool, but they changed battery size on my other suunto and there goes another cover.  The hint I can give is to use something that fills the entire slot, like gunsmith driver bits do on gun screws.

[gjohnsoniv]

Have you tried finding a washer or washer to fit? Maybe stick two together?

[Sidecarist]

Go to a hardware store and find a washer that fits as closely as possible. It may take 2 washers stacked to get the thickness right.

You may have work it back & forth to get it to come out.

After you get it open put a very thin film of grease on television o-ring and edge of the cover to keep it from sticking in the future. I do this on all new items too, it saves me lots of grief.

I like silicone or synthetic grease like super lube for this.

Good luck!

[Sidecarist]

Great minds think a like!

[jgradyc]

17 hours ago, Sidecarist said:

Go to a hardware store and find a washer that fits as closely as possible. It may take 2 washers stacked to get the thickness right.

I did this today. It worked like a charm. There's a washer that's a near perfect fit. I didn't think to check the size, but at home it measures 9/16 I.D. and 1 3/8 OD. The clerk rang it up as a 1/2 inch, so I'm not sure what size it really is. Regardless, for 33 cents I now have a "wrench" to remove subborn CR2032 covers. Thanks for the idea!

[gjohnsoniv]

20 hours ago, Sidecarist said:

Great minds think a like!

Lol. Must be true.