I always use a jewellers flat head screwdriver to remove tags, there's almost always a gap between the front edge of the cartridge tag and the base of the cartridge connector pins, enough to use the edge of the screwdriver to push the tags off. Much safer, absolutely no danger of accidentally pulling on anything - not that we're talking about fully removing the tags here. but a gentle push will tell you if a tag is loose as it'll slide off with no resistance. And if that does prove to be the case, tightening up tags is a whole other ball game..........
Source components: S.A.M. Renegade turntable; S.A.M. Callista tonearm, Dynavector DV20x2L cartridge; Jelco SA370H tonearm, Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood / Audio Technica VM750SH / Grado Prestige Blue3 / Garratt P77i cartridges
Amplification: Primare i22
Loudspeakers: RMB 12/3s
Other hi-fi bits: Sutherland Ph3D phonostage; Pro-ject Phonobox S2 phonostage