Changing the b string

Strange as this sounds, I'm having a problem removing the b string from my bender. I have a Nashville tele with a standard factory-installed Parsons bender. I decided to put on fresh strings--what could go wrong, right?

Well, I can't push the old b string down through the hole just behind the bridge. And, of course, being a b string, I can't just push it harder, as the string just collapses. Nor can I grasp the ball to pull it out from the back. I finally gave up and just put the string back on.

Not sure what to do now. I don't want to take the guitar to a tech every time I need change the strings. Any suggestions?

Poke through the hole from the top with a skinny Allen wrench or whatever you can find that fits the hole to dislodge the ball. Its safe. I did it before on my 1996 Parsons Greene.

I have to engage the bender for it to release the b-string on my Nashville. Could this be it?

Thanks, these are great suggestions. I'll try them out tomorrow.