Removing 'O' rings?

[angrybear]

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.

[--ped--]

as you have replacements cut it with a razor and just replace
obviously you need to have a steady hand and cut it like you were making a scarf joint

[nitemax]

Stick a pin in 'em, lift 'em and use a toothpick in the gap