ok got it. i had to tap in a screw driver a little then get a pry bar and with a rag under it pry it off. its a small pry bar that actuall worked really well. but i might look for some kind of small puller for next time. the thing was really on there. but i got it. thanks everyone.
It may have been on there for a long time so a wee bit of copper grease or equivalent may assist in future removals as i have mine off and on at least once in a year they just slip off and on once the lock screw is removed
Brian