Easy for you M13KYF, but you failed to mention that before gearknob removal you uttered the words
"BY THE POWER OF GRAYSKULL....(cue lightning and a growing cat)...I HAVE THE POWER!!!"
I had serious problems getting mine off too! It' had chips of the aluminium come of underneath the knob, whover mr yang was that fitted that knob knew how to make it tight!
thats a great find! Hose would be far better then using a cloth!