Originally Posted by
noglider
What did mechanics use in the heyday of cotters? I am under the impression that they used hammers, but maybe not.
One of these. I've not seen many. This particular one is French. They give a TON of tonnage - literally. You can push a cotter right through a hole if you tried.
From:
http://www.bygonebicyclist.com/?p=499
A good fix, in a bind, is a giant c-clamp with a socket. I've taken a liking to an air-hammer with a brass bit lately.