I'm helping a friend re-build an AMF Hercules which I believe to be a Raleigh made model (based on the dropouts and the age of the bike). We've been trying to get to the bottom bracket to either replace or overhaul it and we've had a hell of a time with the cottered cranks.

The pins are stuck in the cranks very tightly and no amount of WD-40, hammering, and foul language can persuade them to leave their home. I don't believe they've ever been removed since initial installation. We'd like to salvage them as they're still in good condition, but I'm not sure how to remove them short of breaking the crankset.

Does anyone have ideas for removing the cranks without damaging them?

Thanks a ton!