I use half of a wooden clip clothespin to finger press. It has a slanted end and is just the right size. They usually slide apart easily at the metal spring.
The funny part is that my husband sees it laying by my machine and puts it back together thinking it is broken and he'll fix it. This has happened numerous times and I just take it apart again and not say a word. It has now become one of those little unspoken tender spots of love.