What's the problem with getting the rope seal into the Chinese handcuff tool? The weave will open up to a dimension bigger than your thumb- - - -all you need to do is push on the weave. Just be sure not to put more than 1/2" or so of the seal into the weave, as it must be pulled through the block far enough to release it after the seal is installed. The seal is at least an inch longer than necessary so it can be trimmed flush after it's packed into place.

I cannot understand why people have so much trouble making rope seals work. It's basic shade tree mechanic work that untold thousands of do-it-yourself farmers and tinkerers did for decades. I've installed dozens of them, and made money doing it! Maybe we're just too spoiled by precision-fit parts to dig in and get the job done these days!
Jerry

"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!