I had the same problem. My dh and I took one of the mid-sized pieces to the hardware store and went to the dowel section. There we found wooden dowels that were just slightly bigger than the red snappers. (I brought my dh to make sure *he* could put the red snapper on the bigger dowel.) We bought half a dozen dowels. This step is not necessary, but when we got home my dh had me soak the red snappers in hot water in the bath tub; he said it would soften the plastic. We wiped them dry, and he placed them on the dowels. I left them that way for a week (actually longer because I forgot them, but a week should be enough). It's been awhile since I used them, but I remember I was able to load a practice quilt myself after that. The red snappers will eventually loosen with use, but I just couldn't wait that long -- especially since I don't do many quilts in a year.