How would I remove this stem to replace it?

- Heat vs cold is the eternal debate—like cats vs dogs, but with more plumbing disasters.
- I’ve scorched my fair share of paint, but I’d rather repaint than replace a cracked stem, honestly.
- Anyone tried a combo—like heat first, then a little freeze-spray for stubborn bits? Or am I just making extra work for myself?

I get the appeal of the heat-then-cold trick, but honestly, I’ve had more luck just sticking with one method and being patient. Last time I tried both, I ended up with a stem that was still stuck and a mess to clean up. Sometimes less is more, you know?