how the hell do i clamp those little fuggers...what i mean is, the "cable" that connects the cotter pin to the car has a small "button" style connector. How do I manage to get it clamped when nothing seems to work.

How to best describe this:

Small, 1/4" diameter, appears to be CNC machined out of some soft of aluminum or light steel. It reminds me of a rivet, or a eyehole for something. It's not moldable, i've used vice grips to no avail, put it in a vise machine and hoped that would work, it didn't, I've tried beating it with a hammer....i'm all out of options.

if anyone has been in my situation or has a freaking clue what the hell i'm talking about please let me know ASAP how to fix this little stumble.