Brok (en) stuff

I just used one of those tools yesterday, the American Muscle version. I thought the bolts were a little small, but they worked. Removed the torsion adjusters, sprayed a little wd-40, moved the control arm up and down a few times, then wacked the thing with a large hammer a few times. Came right out. I guess I got lucky. I am definately going to change those little bolts out for grade 8's though.
Bummer about your vice, I was just about to buy one of those from Home Depot. I think I'll look around a little more. Luckily you didn't get seriously hurt.