You think you could describe your bar clamp and dowel method? does it make a difference which way you place the Stardust in the clamp and did you cut the dowel down to size? Also, I destroyed one of my Stardusts' silicon caps. The post it sits on pierced right through it. I will say i was experimenting a little trying to find other items that may be helpful in the process, but needless to say, I failed
Sure...
I cut a piece of 1/4" Diameter Wooden Dowel Rod about an 1" long.
Then I Removed the Drip Tip and used a Dental Pick to remove the Silicone Seal over the Center Tube. Be sure to not drop the Tiny Metal Flange that goes inside the Silicone Seal.
I then put the 1/4" Dowel Rod into the Stardust just like it was the Drip Tip.
Here's the Road Side Sobriety Test Part. It helps to have the Clamp Already adjusted so that the Opening is Just Larger than the length of your Stardust with the Dowel Rod in it.
It doesn't matter which way you put oit in your Clamp. For some Unknown Reason I want the Stardust to be on the Side of the Clamp that Doesn't Move.
Put everything in your clamp and Slowly tighten the Clamp, either Bar Clamp or C-Clamp until you feel the Center Tube move. At this point, the Center Tube has been Broken Free. Keep Tightening until you feel some Resistance. Or Move the Stardust to a Dead 510 Battery, Screw it on Completely and Wiggle the Tube. It should just fall off in your hands.
If yo don't have a set of these yet, I Highly Suggest you do.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-pick-set-93514.html
If you don't have a Harbor Freight near you, you can find them at Hardware Stores or Many Arts and Crafts Stores.