I use a nylon pan scraper. You can find one at Sur La Table, cost less than a dollar. Make sure to get one with a sharp edge. It slips into the gap between the metal and plastic pretty easily, and since it is two inches wide, it will release a couple of the catches at a time. Also, it won't bend the metal. Works every time.
"I agree with the comments by Miroslav. I think my iPod is a 5th Genertion (video) model but it has a metal back and a metal cover. When inserting the plastic tool it is like inserting it between the jaws of a pair of scissors. Sliding the plastic tool along the edge conviently cuts off the tip of the tool. Also there is no flexibility in the metal top. I've spent 2 houres trying to open the unit with no success. Do they make metal tools instead of plastic tools for opening the iPod?
"Here's another method: Fingernail. You have to have *really* tough fingernails, but that's how I normally get into this iPod (or almost any iPod, for that matter).
It can be supplemented with a guitar pick, or even an old rewards card from some store. Goodness knows I've chewed through at least half a dozen old cards- but they really work pretty well and don't leave any scratches."
