The TVT arms are 1" diameter.... I have some .875" 303 stainless that should be adequate....
I would put the flats on both ends, about 1" - 1.5" from the ends... that way you can hold from either end.... the middle gets interference from the spings...

All you have to do is find the right end pieces, a couple of lock nuts and it should be pretty simple for you to knock them out....