I'm sorry your having trouble with installation. Here's what I do with the stubborn foam. Feed a length of fishing line through the handle from the top section of the handle (facing the grip) out to the bottom (facing the working end). Tie the fishing line securely around the end of the foam and place the tied end of the foam into the handle. Then, simply pull the foam insert into the handle, where it will stay. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I hope I've been of help.