Echo 355T Lanyard Loop, Lifting Hook?

[Jerry Pelletier]

Hello and thanks for your interest and input.
I've been lurking here for a considerable while and I think that this is my first post.
I'm an OG logger, timber faller, high climber and rigger in the Oregon woods.
Since retiring from the woods, I've ventured back into arborist work on a modest level. I just took delivery of a new 355T and I can't figure out a way to release the hook from it's closed position without breaking something.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jerry

 

[Wood Doctor]

It swivels out with the hinge on the left. Press fit that snaps into place, so try spraying some WD-40 on it to loosen it up. That should work. If necessary, use a small screwdriver to pry it open on the right side.

 

[Jerry Pelletier]

It swivels out with the hinge on the left. Press fit that snaps into place, so try spraying some WD-40 on it to loosen it up. That should work. If necessary, use a small screwdriver to pry it open on the right side.

Thanks! I've been afraid to apply too much pressure. I've got a 2511T and no prob with that one, but being plastic, I didn't want to break the 355T...