Guys, if your factory orginal Deist duckbills are that tough to work loose then you either need to lightly lubricate them or replace them. It's like any other mechanical part...they require lubricant to work properly and they will wear out over time. The last thing you want to worry about in a panic stop and jettison routine (i.e. engine/cabin fire) is whether or not the belts will easily come undone. I'm equally amused by the pliers and shoe lace shade tree fixes, but we're talking about your safety here.
-Dean #747