<!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en"> <html> <body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> I recommend a theme variation of some methods already mentioned.  It has worked extremly well for me. 1.  Make a thin block of hard wood, (oak or maple works well), and cut a slot half way through just wide enough to slip over the wire. 2.  Place the key in a woodworking bench mounted vise and tighten down snugly.  Note: be certain not to squeeze a bent key into the vise or you will break the key!  Tighten the end of the key in the vise only. 3.  With the block slipped over the wire and flat on the top of the key, use a pair if side cutters to grip the wire and pull it out one short stroke at a time like a claw hammer on a nail.  Combining the notched block with the short pulling strokes you can eliminate most splintering. Rob Goodale, RPT Las Vegas, NV     David Love wrote: <blockquote TYPE=CITE><style></style> What's the easiest way to remove old backchecks (wire and all) when they a bit stubborn coming out.  I'm trying a pair of hammer extraction pliers (the old Hale type) and a vice grips on the wire, but there must be a faster and cleaner way that doesn't tend to take a bit of the wood out. David Love</blockquote> </body> </html>