Just get it cold, the metal will shrink some and give you some leeway... I use nifty wire strippers that have the thinner pliers ends on them for all of my tanks and coils... They even reverse and are wire cutters
Use a towel or rag to grip the tank so that if the glass breaks you don't need to get stitches
EDIT: If your RTA section's lid is stuck on, use the included screw driver though the center two holes and turn from the screw driver. Enjoy the leverage.