The issue I find is that you are pulling on the speedo cable to get enough room to unscrew it with your hand. If you remove the left vent, no pulling is needed, no damage to the cluster or warping the sides from it being pushed in from either the OE tool or makeshift tools. I've done all methods for removal, and left vent is best. No damage, quick and painless.
Just use a coathanger to pull the little tabs down to remove the vent. No special tools needed
