I have done two sets of handbrake shoes oer the past few months.
I have a very old screwdrive whih has a 7/8mm hex end on it, a bit like a small socket. I have used that many times to remove the springs on various models. It's all about getting some purchase on the cup to rotate while having a finget at the back to stop the pin rotating. I found you need to do the springs first.
My grey car is up in the air, one of the springs has broken, which i suspected because the handbrake didn't return to rest as quickly as it should
The rear pads are probably about 4mm, I'm in two minds whether to do them now, or wait until later, after the MOT, at which point I'll be doing the discs too as they appear to have some high points. This cause vibration on the black car
I've had two sets of pads have the material separate from the backing this year
Other work for the MOT consisted of a bit of an exhaust repair, there was a minor blow & some brake pipe cleaning & painting. The Bilt Hamber I did last year has done well, so she got an application of hammerite smooth just to top things off.
I have also started putting treatment on the inside of the McPherson strut turrets. They tend to be showing their age now, also treating the front inner wings, but that is mainly cosmetic