U/J Gaiter Removal From Swingarm

[DoubleGuzzi]

I want to strip back and respray the swingarm on my V7 Classic.
What's the best method to remove the plain circlip that holds the gaiter/rubber boot to the swingarm? There's been a lot of rust in there and I've cleaned out most with WD-40 but don't wanna overdo it, in case the rubber swells significantly. Normally, I'd just get a small tipped screwdriver and prise this type of circlip out but I don't want to split the rubber, in doing so.
Bright ideas on a postcard, please (joking).

 

[Dirk_S]

Is…is this the second task you’ve taken up that calls for circlip pliers as the perfect tool? If so, I think you’ve found your dual-purpose reasoning for a new tool purchase ;)

[DoubleGuzzi]

Is…is this the second task you’ve taken up that calls for circlip pliers as the perfect tool? If so, I think you’ve found your dual-purpose reasoning for a new tool purchase ;)

Close but no cigar.  Think of a gudgeon pin circlip but much bigger.
This time it's a clip without "grabbing holes". Popping out shortly (once my cuppa tea is finished) to take a pic, so you guys know exactly what I'm talking about.

[Dirk_S]

Close but no cigar.  Think of a gudgeon pin circlip but much bigger.
This time it's a clip without "grabbing holes". Popping out shortly (once my cuppa tea is finished) to take a pic, so you guys know exactly what I'm talking about.

Ahhh, yes. I remember that now. I think I used a small-headed flat blade screwdriver once and a pick once—can’t remember if it was straight or hooked; just make sure it’s not real sharp like a dental pick. Reinstalling it is easier.

[DoubleGuzzi]

.. a pick once—can’t remember if it was straight or hooked; just make sure it’s not real sharp like a dental pick.

I have some dental pics that I've never used; time to get a file/grinding wheel in action..
I foresee some silicon sealant or rubber adhesive being required. 

[Meanwhile, I just about have the rear drive stripped back, ready to mask off bits. Household paint stripper and sandpaper has removed what remained of the paint.]

[DoubleGuzzi]

After deliberately blunting a dental pick and not progressing very well, I ended up just using one of my small tipped ~10mm screwdrivers. The circlip is out, leaving a less than pinhead-sized puncture (or is that me that's the pinhead?!). Where the hole is will likely be covered by the clip and given the grease that I intend to use on the clip, it'll be unlikely to let significant/any water in. It couldn't be worse than it was, given the rust levels that was there already.

Some eejit previous owner has hand painted over dirt, rust and corrosion, on the swingarm. I've got a good amount scraped back, ready for some paint stripper.