I have always been able to carefully split the cases and re-assemble without any special tools. As far as bearings, I have had good luck putting one side case at a time in a cheap toaster oven, heated it up until water sizzled off the case when dripped on it, and have the bearings drop right out. For replacing the bearings, heat the case the same way, and use bearings that have been in the freezer for about an hour. If they don't drop in, very light tapping always works. Good luck.