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Thanks @clubman I'm hoping there will be a part 3: 'Installing Cotter Pins' :)
To confirm I've managed easy/successful removal using the method exactly as you describe, possibly even after reading wherever you previously described it.
I have accumulated some nice cottered cranks now and really should use some of them. [Part of my fondness for Stronglight is install / removal is easy (with the extractor).]
I plan to read the links and Sheldon etc. but any tips appreciated.
veloham
@clubman
Removing Cotter Pins
I'm sure I've described this before on here, but I'll try again.
First point: Special presses and other elaborate bits of kit are not necessary.
My procedure is as follows:
You need a smallish hammer and a vice (or some other means of supporting the crank). I use an old bench vice (fairly small) which is not attached to a bench.
Unscrew retaining nut until it is exactly flush with the top of the thread (If there's not much thread projecting it may help to remove the washer).
Open the jaws of the vice just enough for the non threaded end of the pin to pass freely through them.
Now rest the vice on something solid (I use bricks) next to a wall (to support the bike). Lift the bike onto the vice so the the top of the crank is on the vice with the pin projecting into the partially open jaws.
Using the hammer, give the threaded end of the pin a sharp tap. Concentrate on hitting the pin straight to avoid bending the thread. The pin will almost always come out with a couple of blows.
It seems to me that most of the difficulties people have with getting the pins out are caused by failing to support the crank rigidly enough.
Keep the old cotter pin - it may well give many more years of service!