What brand of sockets are you using? I remember having this problem in the past with el cheapo stuff like the late model Craftsman sockets. As I remember (an the memory may be faded), I used a Snap On socket and it went on with a tad of help......

Before you go to the extreme of popping the retainers, measure your socket and compare it to a Snap On.....you should be able to borrow one from the Snap On dealer to measure....a single socket from him should be in the price range of $250 or so unless there has been another price increase!

mike in tucson