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Thank you everyone. Memo to self - wear gloves next time! I've tried soaking in water and it has helped a bit, enough to give me confidence to try again when I have more time this evening. Will try emery board/tweezers/ nail varnish remover tomorrow if that doesn't work. Re helpful neighbour -they're all much the same age as me, and I wouldn't want to be responsible for someone falling off a stool. For the moment I've just put up three curtains, and will contact our local 'no rogue traders here' to find someone after the weekend (why do these things always happen at weekends?)