Huh, never occurred to me to use two wrenches. I don't think I ever saw any of the other mechanics I have worked with do that either, in my almost 30 years in the bike biz.

Not saying it's bad advice, it might even be better than my one-wrench method, I'm just saying it's not as necessary as your post implies. I have never been stumped trying to get a crank off, and I've never stripped one (that I can recall). I think it's safe to say I've taken cranks off a thousand times since my first over 50 years ago, so my method must be adequate.

Maybe I'll try your way next time I have a tight one though, it will let me use a longer lever, compared to just holding onto the crank. These old hands aren't as immortal as they used to be. Thanks for the idea.