I got a set of tiny needlenose pliers in a pack of three pliers (side nips, needlenose, and curved pliers), all very small. It turned out that I could extract the inner snap ring with that, and the total cost from a Sears Hardware was like $7.50 for all three. However, barring that, use a hemostat (spelling?). They're used by biology types, and have the ability to lock in a position, as well as having extraordinarily long jaws. Not sure where to find them, though. My mother had a set she let me use /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Matt