Pecan users got tips?

I'm hoping someone has a great method of shelling pecans. These are definitely NOT papershells. And then they don't want to come out. It took me a couple of hours to get two cups of pretty much broken pieces, and my thumbs are sore. I "cured" them on the porch as we got them, starting in September. The batch I am working on were from them, and when I had trouble I put them in my dehydrator for 12 hours at 115. No better. The nutmeats are very light in color, and sweet, so I'd like to be able to use them. Plus, I hate to waste 7 gallons of pecans.....

Any advice appreciated,

margo