replacing solid tensioners with spring loaded question

[Ohio911]

The two sealed spring loaded tensioners that I am using to replace my solid tensioners on a 74 2.7 engine seem very solid themselves. Should I be able to make these colapse a bit by any means with my hands. They dont seem like they want to give a single bit. It almost seems as if since they are both fully extended that i will not be able to install one. Could they be frozen from sitting around on my shelf for a year or two they are new. Is there a technique to get them to colapse a bit?
Thanks

[shbop]

Put them in a vise and slowly close the vise. Have the c-clamp tool handy to capture the tensioner so you can take it out of the vise, and over to your motor. After installing in the motor, remove c-clamp. It can be tricky getting the clamp in place this way, but it will work. If you have Wayne's book, refer to page 170. It's a different style tensioner, but you'll get the idea. Hope this helps.