OK, so maybe I called it the wrong thing... I am not talking about either of the two compression rings. I am talking about the lowest set of rings that has the spring like spacer between the two rings.

I talked to my dad last night and his suggestion was to make sure that the ring gap is cleaned very well and to try again. So I went and bought some small wire brushes and also a small wire wheel that will fit on my drill. I will try them again tonight when I get home from work.

I am thinking that Erljhemi is correct though and I am fighting the ring compressor.