Do i need the special red removal tool or will any old valve core removal tool do the job?

I use my thumb and forefinger. TBH, trying to stop the bloody thing coming out is more of an issue

really – i have the opposite and cant shift it.

As per George, don’t need a core removal tool – a set of pliers or mole grips will do the trick if its too tight for fingers, without damaging the core.

cheers guys will have a bash this evening

Make that two sets of pliers, one for the stem and one for the core. As its such a small distance between flats, you shouldn’t have any problems with rounding but you could also use an adjustable spanner on the core.

The core remover tool makes it really easy. I used needle nosed pliers for years, then bought the tool. Not necessary, but really convenient!