I agree that a pinion puller is the best thing to use. The question was how to do it without one. There are undoubtedly many ways that would work, my suggestion was only one of them. Yes, I did use it to great effect in the past, before I purchased a pinion puller for myself. Some times even $10.00 is outside of the budget or time is of the essence and waiting on the mail for a purchase just wont do. As long as it comes off and nothing is destroyed, you are good to go.