and really like them. I took apart the fitting on my forestay last year with only a modest struggle in the boatyard. I used a similar method to yours and it did take a couple knocks with a hammer. Is the wire clamped fairly close to the fitting so that it doesn't absorb the impact? Are you hitting the fitting square? I think I used a bunch of lighter hits to eventually move it back and do remember being a little panicked that it wouldn't cooperate. BTW, the guys at Rigging Only gave some insight as to the tightness when fitting the Hi-mods - "tighten until you grunt" Are you adding sealant when you close them? I never did (as per instructions) but sometimes wonder if I should have. Best regards, David