The short leaver thing that is so I don't have long leavers on when I don't need them,I would adjust the leaver so my finger was at the end of the short leaver.so more leverage as the pivert point is a lot ferther away ,when I use a standard leaver my finger is right on the bend not far past the pivert point .have tyred some one's bike with the short leavers on and pulling from the end of the leaver,it is a lot easier more leverage. Plus shorter leaver don't brake as easy. The idia of getting the pads really hot and dowsing with cold water rings a bell with me,think people have done that before could work.never tyred it ,but will next time I'm out having a practice , it's possible my pads are contaminated with wd40 as I spray with wd40 after washing to repell all water stops things rusting up.done it for years.thank you for all comments keep them coming any fresh ideas welcome. Chris.