alright.. jumping from the 18t freewheel to a 17t (im a big boy now)

i got the freewheel tool. any tips on doing this? lay the rim flat on the ground , brace, and start applying torque? wouldnt it put a lot of stress on the spokes and hubs ? im not sure... about to break the cherry here....

after threading in new freewheel... torque down or just ride it out tight?