water heater woes

I feel like we wasted our entire Saturday trying to fix our water heater. During the first trip to Home Depot, we bought a water heater tester, and an element removal wrench. We tested both the elements on the heater, as well as the thermostats. It turns out we have a faulty lower element. So, we've done our research and this should be a relatively simple fix. Just replacing the element. Sure, not so easy if you can't get the old element off. It seemed to be corroded on, so we tried CLR, vinegar, and after another Home Depot run, Liquid Wrench rust remover. The thing will not budge. What's ridiculous about this is that the replacement part is under $20. But because we can't remove it, we'll probably have to replace the whole damn thing. I am just getting so FRUSTRATED!!! It's been suggested to use a 1-1/2" 6-point socket with a 3/4" breaker bar. But of course we don't have these tools. I just want a hot shower!!!