Nissan Maxima: Replacing hood supports on '97 Maxima

How do you remove these supports? Do you remove the nuts with the
ball attachments or is there a special tool? I've messed with them
but I don't want to tear them up if it's not successful. I bought
replacements at a local parts store and they have spring clips on
them.

Thanks for any advice.

I have just replaced mine today. Its really easy. Unbolt the whole thing
and reinstall it the way you took it out. Nothing to it. Mine replacement
has a little spring clip to prevent the ball joint from popping out.