w202 ignition key cylinder tool
 

Hey guys,
Is it really necessary to have the tool to remove the key tumbler on a 95 C220? I can get the key to turn (with a lot of effort), so no problem there.. and this style doesnt use the pins to release the tumbler. As I understand it, the whole black part surrounding the tumbler pushes in and rotates counter clockwise to release it all when the key is in position 1. I cant get it to budge though. I'm wondering if I either A. need the tool or B. my release mechanism is jacked or C. Need a bigger hammer E.G. something that will grab it really hard like vice grips.

Ideas? Thanks!
Opossum

in taking a close look at the tool the dealer sells and the ones on ebay and posted here in the past, it appears that there isnt any sort of real magic and best I can see is that a pair of soft jaw channel locks should grip and turn it just fine, right? I dont want to force anything though. I was being gentle and cautious today.

Just reporting back. The answer is yes; I wrapped the jaws of some channel locks with tape and just gripped the outer edge of it all and it twisted right off. The factory tool isnt really necessary but would sure do the job a lot cleaner.

adios y'all, Opossum