Rich
Don't know where everyone has been for the past few days - been quite on this DF.
Regarding your question - if you do decide to slide it in - I have had good luck with similar situations using liquid hand soap (that comes in a little pump bottle) or dish detergent staright from the bottle.
I also have been succesful with the real hard to tackle jobs using the liquid lubricant that electricians use to pull wire through conduit. Bought it at Home Depot - not expensive.
Only caution - leave yourself some rubber to grab onto WITHOUT the soap or it will work just as well in preventing your grip to pull it through.
Hope that helps a little.
Tom R
57 Dusk Rose