I don't believe you can, TBHWY. The part that contacts the boot is curved so that the boot is cupped. I've used this tool several times in switching suspension parts when I had my Acura Legends, and I've never, ever ripped a boot.
I had one of these a long time ago, but it disappeared from my tool box, and I can't remember how. As I had to do the ball joints on the truck, I spent one Saturday afternoon wailing away w/a sledge, then said screw it, I'm going with what I know. So, I bit the bullet and ordered it again (kinda pricey, $245.96 from hondaautomotiveparts.com). The tool is made by MAC for Honda, and the part number is 07MAC-SL00202. I was worried that the opening wouldn't be big enough, but it's 28mm, and it turned out to be fine. And as you can see, this thing is a HUGE time saver. The only way this one will leave my toolbox is with a deposit to pay for another in case it isn't returned *lol*.
I've tried:
-the pickle fork and sledge
-straight up sledge
-this one from Harbor Freight: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...tor-99849.html (opening is too small)
-this one from eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/221431301225 (it bent in the middle before the ball joint separated)
So, I've run the gambit for ball joint tools. The Honda tool made by MAC is the only one that has delivered results time and again with no fuss and in little to no time.