Thanks Jeremy and Tony.
I've just missed pleiades but here's the score so far for anyone who wants to know about the infamous sphere removal tool.
Amongst the GSF franchises, Hitchin is the only store (01462 454871) showing 1 of these tools (part number N98766). The rest have no plans to order them in. Hitchin will hire you the tool out but if you live miles away, they'll send it Heathrow branch from where it is treated as a mail order item. They won't simply transfer it to Birmingham where I live or anywhere else.
I shall fashion my own tomorrow. Thanks to all for the relevant advice and patience.
Ian
Xantia Sphere Removal Tool
Moderator: RichardW