Cranks have made me cranky.

Absolutely, Shaun, always did this when people stripped the remover threads. Just need a little space for the axle to move by undoing the bracket cup. This will obviously work for either side.
Back in the 60's I could lace up a 40 hole cheap wheel in 3 minutes, and average freewheel block and chain replacement in 10.
 
May not be much use because it sounds like you have the bike in bits, but another way to loosen it off is to ride it.
 
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