How Do I Get The 'ice/salt' Section Of The Ice-cream Maker Ball Open To Drain It

This was received as a christmas gift this week.  We eventually were able to get something resembling ice-cream, but the seal on the cannister for the ice/salt is so tight it is impossible to open.  I have tried freezing the whole ball and placing the ball in warm water, soaking the ball in water and multiple attempts to open it but it will not budge.  Consequently, it cannot be drained and I'm sure will corrode the stainless steel liner.  Please advise on how to remedy this.  I am so disappointed in this product.  Your stuff is usually fabulous (I know as we own tons of it) but this is not the usual quality I have come to expect from little tykes.  Again, how do I get that ball open to drain the ice/salt solution without cracking the ball open?