I've never taken that drastic an approach to
flipping a breaker since,
and don't expect to unless something fairly precious is at stake (say,
someone is being electrocuted, that's about the level of severity that
could lead me to crowbar a mains circuit).
I used to work in a factory where the electrical installation was
basically undocumented. I was tought that to make sure to "power off"
the right section, I had to make a short circuit. To do this, 1) always
use proper insulated thick enough (in my case at least 2,5mm2) wire, 2)
Do not hesitate, but handle firmly, as to not allow "bad connections"
and 3) always look away when making the contact.
I've seen many people looking surprised when I did this, but I feel it's
indeed is a very secure way to make sure to switch off the right
section.
Bert