What tools does one use to replace brake shoes.

Use a side cutter, use it to grip the spring not cut it.

A pair of dikes will work a good idea is also a a long thin screwdriver of a brake spring tool--using the screwdriver you put the tip where you want the spring to end up. Connect one side of the spring into its position and with scrtewdriver in place put the hook end of spring on screwdriver shaft and pry up slidding spring down shaft and into position