You don't need a "case cracker" or anything like it.
I know. I have opened my compacts without any other tools besides a long T15 screwdriver. I wanted to know if the tool I bought on eBay was the one they gave to AASPs as I'm not going to use it, but keep it as a collectable.
Lay it face down on a towel, remove all four screws. Then give the sides of the case an "upward slap" (for lack of better words) with both hands at the same time. This will free the rear bucket from the front and allow you to simply lift it off.
I usually take out the screws and put my fingers in between the front bezel and rear case (at the top) and pull from the handle. This frees the rear bucket from the bezel and it comes off fairly easily. It has worked every time I have done it.
