I solved my own problem. I used a then bladed screwdriver to pry the front lpart of the handle apart after removing all the screws. There is one clip above the on/off switch and another a little below it. Hope no one else has the same problem but if you do it isn't too difficult. I was just worried about prying and breaking some plastic tabs but came apart quite easily.
Thanks for this web site.
Woody
January 2016