Yeah, the "wouldn't budge" part is so familiar. That feeling when the vise and the big lever just aren't doing anything is the worst. The heat gun trick is a solid last resort for that kind of corrosion weld. I've been there with a few hubs from wet winter riding, and a little careful heat really is the only way sometimes.

My cousin's wedding had that same "not boring white" panic. Her mom almost had a fit when I suggested adding some of those weird, waxy white anthuriums. They look like something from a sci-fi movie, but honestly, they saved the whole look from being a blob of vanilla pudding. That texture is a total game changer when you can't use color.

Classic case of the tool waiting for the worst possible moment to die. At least it had the decency to do it on a Thursday and not a Friday, I guess.