Answer

Use a starter punch. A starter punch is just a punch without a long stem. Use a starter punch that is just smaller than the pin you are trying to remove, use it to break the pin loose then use the standard punch to drive the pin out the rest of the way. (I use standard punches that the stem has broken off of for my starter punches, just grind the face of the broken punch flat)…

Reply:

Thanks Ken. I’ll have to try that. I did manage to get them out with a standard punch after using B’laster penetrating copolymer over night. A mechanic who builds race cars told me that it’s the best stuff he ever used. I guess it really is! I got it at Advanced Auto. It’s worth a couple of bucks to keep handy.

Answer:

Thanks for the info on the penetrating copolymer, I’ve never used it so I will have to give it a shot. I will ask Bob if he has used it or not. Another penetrating oil we’ve used is Kroil, it has worked well for us.

Answer:

First, try getting your hands on an Ultrasonic Cleaner. Ultrasound Cleaners loosen rust and clean more effectively then hand cleaning. I’ve seen light rust disappear with 30 minutes in the L&R Ultrasound. I was told that Ultrasound Cleaners could be had inexpensively. Another way to get those tightly fit pins out would be to soak in Kroil. I would probably then resort to using a Heat Gun (a kind of hairdryer like tool) that warms the metal to about 190F degrees. This definitely gets things loose. A combination of all three in this order would probably work quite well for you. 1. Ultrasound to remove light surface rust (30 minutes). 2. Soak in Kroil for a couple of hours. 3. Apply heat with Heat Gun and then try driving out the pins.