I found that the screws were really tight also. As I was a mechanic myself many years ago, I learned that a little tapping on screws/bolts would sometimes help loosen them, so before you go and try using other devices to remove these's screws, here is what I did and it worked great. I used a good fitting #3 phillips screwdriver and while I was putting a little counterclockwise pressure on the screwdriver used a hammer and taped on the end of the screwdriver a couple of times each screw, then I tried to loosen the screws with both hands, they all came loose for me. As a past mechanic I found this procedure worked for me 80% of the time.
Good luck.
