Yeah I tried to get mine off by hand and then w/ a big pair of channel locks after wrapping w/ an inner tube to protect the knob. Waste of time and very frustrating. Like everyone said many times... that bugger is on good.. real good. Picked up a strap wrench from HDepot ($8) and used a big vise grip to steady the stick at the base. Easy peasy. The trick is in the ability to grip with the rubber strap of the wrench and having enough leverage to turn the knob w/o any slippage. Right tools for the job is imperative.
