I consider myself quite skilled in those things - but it was hell. Removing smd parts without proper tools
If you did not have the proper tools I assume that you were trying to remove it without a soldering iron!
That is the only tool you need to remove a surface mount resistor (not capacitor). The technique is to use a larger tip, a blob of solder and move the iron repeatedly from one side of the resistor to the other. Very soon both side melt and it can be flicked off, with no damage done.