4kq rear strut removal PITA, help!

[James Marriott <marriott@lesbois.com>]

Haudi,

One of my rear struts is stripped at the top (the Allen socket). I tried
Vise Grips on the strut shaft, but the surface is too hard for them to
get a grip.

Any ideas other than:
Install spring compressors
Cut strut shaft with torch
Remove lower strut assy/spring
Weld handle to top end of strut shaft
Remove

Hmmm, maybe I could just weld the handle to the side of the shaft
without the torch business.

tia,
James (wishing I had 220 V in this &$&#* rental so my compressor could
play with me)