Try wrapping your knuckles with hockey tape before you start, robertcarr. It sounds silly, but that little bit of padding saves your hands from the sharp edges. You'll still lose some skin, just maybe not a whole pint.
Yeah, those stubby flex heads are a game changer. I used a set of long, thin wrenches I bent myself last time. Let me get into the tight spot by the firewall without stripping the bolt.