steering coupling??????

Thanks for the feedback everyone. When I bought the column, it was slightly collapsed and did not slide very well (had to be persuaded.) I believe the problem is the column and not so much the coupling. The shoes and spring clip sit in there very tight. I don't want to gouge my column. I filled the coupling up with grease and even greased the parts going into the coupling. I read somewhere in this forum to put locking pliers on the column and tap it in. I'm just looking for the best way. Thanks again everyone:)