Fork top removal?

I need to check my fork oil level (among other things). The manual says 'remove the top plug and pull out the spring' but how do you get this thing out? Sorry if this is a dumb question...

I may be wrong, but it looks like you would depress it in a little and remove the circlip. Ed

That looks like the answer thanks. I can do use it down a few mm which exposes the circlip. Then I should be able to hook it out with a small screw driver. Thanks Ed

While we're on the fork subject. To remove the inner part from the lower leg the manual calls for the dreaded special tool for the top. Can this be avoided if I clamp the top tube back into the tree preventing the tube from turning? Or do I need to stop the piston itself from turning using the special tool or an improvised version?

I have found that the best way to do it , is to drain the oil from the small screw, leave spring in, & top cap on, & use an impact gun to remove the square recessed nut on the bottom first , the compressed spring will help keep it from turning ..P. S. you may have to wrap it in something & put it in a vise to hold it
Pete

I assume you mean wrap the lower leg to hold it. Thanks for your response.

Yes, ...Good Luck
Pete

When taking out the top plugs, make sure your face is not in the line of fire.

Thanks for all the advice on this process. I managed to get it done last night. Those circlips were damn fiddly but perseverance paid off there. The other tricky part was the allen bolts at the bottom. I bolted the fork to the dexion leg of my bench and turned the allen key with my big wrench, they were tight! Now I can do the lowering and paint the lower legs. New fork seals are in transit from the US.