try those fine point plastic toothpicks, the ones with a y shape at the other end with dental floss on, failing that use a fine sewing needle point to prick into the o-ring(but not touch the metal)
Squeeze and push forward, and wooden tooth picks.
mk2 rapid.22
Give them a blast with the blow torch!
That wont help putting them back on though.
Master Debater
A barbless fishing hook clamped in a pin vice and cocktail stick should work .
Many thanks all, there is a fishing tackle shop not far away, the rings are deep in the grooves with only a tiny amount of protrusion and I cant squeeze them. Just being careful could be a very expensive slip!
Cheers.
Geoff.
I use a couple of large sea fishing hooks (6/0) both have been straightened a bit one has the point 2mm bent 90* to stick in to the ring, the other has been filed blunt & flat in case the ring is going to be reused.
If really tight a dab of grease wiped on the metal lip can help them slip out same as a wipe on the new O ring helps it seat.
If you have access using tweezers or needle nose pliers you can often squeeze the O ring so that a section pulls away enough to get a tool behind it.