I'm trying to get the weight pockets open on my double hung sash windows.

Ive tried running a thin saw/knife around the edges, thinking it wasn't cut all the way. I can't seem to feel a part where it catches.

It is quite tight on the exterior side of the weight pocket, and I'm wondering if I have to remove the parting bead to get it to open?

The main problem is it seems like there's not enough space to move the cover out.

You can see in the photo how much more room there is on the interior side of the pocket that the exterior side.

Also, would some sort of lubricant work? They seem really dry.

I was not planning on fixing the upper sash now because I'm not excited about all the layers of paint I'll have to cut through. That's why I didn't remove the parting bead already. But if I have to, I can.