Any ideas
 

On a way to remove a stuck [metal] lens hood from a metal barrelled lens - without damaging the lens? Chilling and hot water was suggested but I am notoriously bad at anything that could cause damage. Is there a method?

Try lubrication. A tiny amount of WD-40 or silimar thin oil might just help free the stuck lens hood.

Metal lens hood?

I have had this problem before and cannot remember how I did it but I would guess along the lines of. Lens off the camera. Find a suitable grippy surface, cork or rubber. Place lens hood down exert downward pressure on the hood rather than pressing inwards,and twist the lens.
I would have gone about it this way rather than WD40, but that may work. I most certainly would NOT try chilling and hot water.

I hope you get it off OK

Don

Thanks - I'll have a go, without trying too much force. It's not a major problem as I would always have the hood on when using the lens. It just means I can't fit my camera into my nice Lowepro toploader with the lens attached.

Personally I wouldn't use WD40, at least not directly from the can. It'll get everywhere, especially under the aerosol pressure action from the can. This will be very difficult to get off lens surfaces, glass or body, once it's got onto them. If you try a lubricant, I'd use something a little less aggressive such as a solution of washing up liquid, applied in small quantity just where it's needed with a small artists brush.

Try a wide rubber band around the hood to get a good grip.
I seem to remember that was how I got a stuck filter of once.

I support Henning's solution. I sometimes get this problem with the hood on my Canon 100/400 mm. Don't put the rubber band round the large end of the hood or it may damage it. Rather put it close to the lens. It always works for me.

Thanks will have a go this weekend

As an ex engineer if all else fails whack it with an ammer!

On a more serious note a combination of some of the above.

Hot to warm (microwave poss no moisture) cloth wrapped around the hood for 10 mins then with large rubber band around hood for grip ease it off.

Best of luck.

Pete