I've removed them a couple of different ways without damage to them (or me).
The tie-rod "clamp-type" remover is good to apply moderate force on the bolt, then with a pair of nearly equal sized hammers, smack two (2) sides of the arm portion simultaneously. This works without fail for me every time, sometimes without using the clamp.
Heat is another option, most successful when used with the same clamp. I don't recommend heat if you're planning on reusing the rubber boots.
Dry-ice and the clamp is yet another option.
For me, the pickle-fork approach is a last resort.
Try the simultaneous hammer trick :wink: