Switchboard Lamp Lens Removal tool

[Babybearjs]

what was/is used to remove the colored lens of the switchboard system... I have several older units and don't know how to remove the lens from the FRONT of the light instead of the back... I'm currently using the tail cut from a ty-strap to push the lens out from the back, and that requires me to have to open the chassis to do this... the frame of the lens is flush with the lampholder and only has 2 notched areas to grab the lens, and needlenose pliers don't work....