Changing Joysticks

[Generic Eric]

Is there an easy way to get the e clip off the joystick shaft without ruining it?  Am I missing something obvious?

[BadMouth]

If it has gaps so you can get small flat blade screwdriver on the inside of it, pry it off that way.
Usually hold one end of it with my fingernail to keep it from turning and free it from the opposite end.

If it doesn't have gaps to get a screwdriver behind, I hold one end of the "C" with my fingernail and push the other end with a tiny flat blade screwdriver.

I've never ruined one....temporarily lost a few when they went flying. 
Been pretty lucky lately.  Maybe 'cause I've been dealing with Japanese sticks.

I've never dealt with old leaf sticks.  I imagine they had beefier e-clips and a tougher method might be needed.

[Garza]

I actually just took apart my old joysticks to clean as I just purchased a used High Impact Arcade game. All I did was used small needlenose pliers and grip it at the center of the c clip and lightly pulled back and forth and it came out perfectly for all four and they were bad.

[rCadeGaming]

There are special tools for e-clips that make it a LOT easier.  Take the clip or the stick to a hardware store and ask about it; if they have automotive tools they might be more likely to have it.

[CpCaveman]

dont get a specialist tool, sorry i`m a low budget guy and wasting money hurts , small flat blade screwdriver in the gap (as was said above) or push down on the adaptor bit against the spring and use a pin nosed pliers and ease it off slowly you wont break it unless you go hulk mental and try twisting it off

[rCadeGaming]

Seriously?  A cheap one would probably be under $10.

[Generic Eric]

Thanks folks.  I managed to remove the eclip by prying it slowly with a screwdriver.