I used a watch back removing tool, it is thinner and made of metal and opening my 5th generation classic iPod was a cinch …. really ….. and I am usually quite clutzy. I inserted it and moved it slightly to the left very gently to separate the back and front and those clips just popped open.

It must have been okay because it all popped back together again after I replaced the battery. No issues with bent seam, back or anything I had read here.

Thank you original poster, these instructions were great.