Removing PRD washer

[kurisuji]

Anyone have any magic tricks to remove the PRD washer embedded in a valve?

(I’m disassembling, cleaning, servicing a valve with 3-piece PRD — plug and disk are out, washer is not. Don’t want to damage the valve trying to remove but it won’t budge)

 

[happy-diver]

Damaging the washer is why I leave them in there unless I'm replacing, where I dig it out with a sharp blunt pick

 

[Endler's]

a sharp blunt pick

What would that look like?

 

[happy-diver]

Yes yes yes, well you see some say sharp is dangerous but I say blunt is dangerous as you will slip and gouge
So what you need is a pick sharp enough to pierce the material which with the grace of a gazelle you remove

Also in aiding removal slice it with an xacto, and any way if you scratch the brass the new washer will still seal