Vacuum Plate Stuck in Skimmer Box

[butchor]

Hi
Wondering if anyine has any tips on freeing a vacuum plate that is stuck fast in Skimmer box. Appears there is some sand or grit in grooves where vacuum plate sits and the plate has stuck fast.
Thanks

 

[heikejohn]

Welcome!
My plate was stuck once. I have the skimmer sock wrapped over the outside lip of my skimmer basket (it also has a handle to lift it out). All this stuff stuffed inside my skimmer made it a bit tight for the vacuum plate.
With the pump turned off, I used a long handled screwdriver to carefully lever the plate loose.