i haven't tried either of those methods yet on the dash rings. before i started this treaded i had tried needle nose and a cresent wrench on the antenna ring....just started damaging my pliers tips. I also tried the chisel and hammer method thats when I really started damaging the ring. That suckers is on there tight. I am not concerned about saving the ring for the antenna being i plan to shave fender mounted antenna. I just don't want to ring on the dash switches, if the tools work i think the cost is justified. They aren't snapon expensive anyway.