I'm gonna have to try this. I find that I can either unscrew the top cap or the barrel. If I unscrew one part, there is no getting the other apart. To completely separate them all the parts must be together and then magically loosen each about half a twist to get it goingI will agree the less you force it the better don't squeeze it to much.
I use hot water to expand it so to speak and it works well for me