The manual says to simply stick a thin blade into the tip of the hook and pry backward. This thing won't come off. Has anyone else had any luck getting this thingy off?

 

Yep, after I tore mine off, I figured out how to get it offproperly. The bottom portion of the hook will slide out and release the Hooks that hold it in place. Think of a plastic rivet that can be reversed. The seam on the hook is well hidden, but it is two sliding pieces.

 

Yep, I figured it out too, but only after it looks a little different.

 

I found it after trying to use it to steady myself so I wouldn't fall.