Removing Gauge Needles - What's the trick?

[cirrusblue]

Anyone know the secret to safely removing cluster gauge needles? I have some extra gauges and trying to rebuild them - and long story short, can' remove the needles so I quit before I broke something.

What is the secret or proper tool for removing the needles?
I tried 2 flat edges with a non marring support below them and I can pop it off or figure out how to get a needle safely off.

Any advice apprec.

[reelizmpro]

Fork works.

[nando]

use a fork and a credit card. Make sure the cluster isn't dead cold - sometimes the needle will stick to the shaft, and pull out the whole thing destroying the motor.