We learned last time around that the AirPods case is a tough nut to crack, so this time (with some guidance from a community member) we turn to something with a bit more clamping force.

The vise deforms the outer shell just enough for us to wedge a blade into the seam, slicing through the adhesive underneath and freeing up the AirPod docking tubes.

Next, we spudger away the status LED, which is nestled between the AirPod tubes at the front of the case.