Thank you guys, MinATX - I agree, I was thinking about it, and if celluloid can spontaneously combust ... well lol. I like your way of doing it, I tried to use a dremmel type cutting tool to whizz the top bit off and was not happy with what happened next. There is a tiny scratch on the scale from the washer popping off at such speed. I will try your method

Theseus, I have tried this but when the peened end is within a setting (like on my Wester Bros 34 De-Fi) I can't get cutters anywhere near close enough to cut. Thank you though That was why I was pondering the soldering iron idea.

Thanks guys. ALL ideas are welcome