help removing half moon plugs from cylinder head

[97&02camryleI4]

I took the valve cover off to replace a cam plug and the valve cover gasket. I have a 97 5sfe i4 camry and I see the half moon plugs but I'm not really sure what I can take them out with. I tried just pulling them out with my fingers but they seem to be snugged in there pretty tight. The one on the passenger side has little room for pliers as the timing belt cover is right next to it. The driver side one is sitting right between the exhaust camshaft and the coil pack brackets. I'm planning to reseal them with "Hondabond" which is an OEM silicone sealant for Honda vehicles. Any ideas as to how to remove them will be appreciated. Thanks.

[foompla]

get a bigger hammer. honda bond works just as well as the toyota stuff

[Tercel GTS]

New ones should come with a new valve cover gasket.