Hehehe
I know what you're felling
i had the same problem trying to take mine out
for clear side markers on my 99 SH
i counldn't grab it or anything and even tried your
friend's way too......
then when i took it to a shop to have my exhaust
bolted on they suggest a similair idea but
one that won't kill the damn thing
Cotton Swabs.....
try it
hehehe