you need to pry them out gently and wiggle the screw driver back and forth, all the way around. Once the center is seperated about 3/8", I grab the bottom piece and wiggle it until it comes out. They are an enormous pain, I broke 3 or 4 when I first took off my bumper. In AZ, plastic turns to dust and they were very brittle, the new ones are much easier to manipulate. I know the frustration, just order replacements and extras and you won't stress over breaking them again. Patience is key. Good luck.