Removing a Dowel Pin

[wa5cab]

I need to remove two 1/4" dowel pins from A36 steel. I did not place these so I am not exactly sure of the interference. Assuming they are a standard interference fit, what is the best way to remove these? It is a small piece so it could go in the mill.

I could drill and tap the dowel pin for 10-32 and use a spacer and washer to apply traction.
I could TIG weld a section of 1/4" screw to the end of the pin and use similar technique
I could lock vise grips to the pin and use a BFH

Please advise. I have never attempted this before.

The standard way to pull a dowel pin from a blind hole is to use a slide hammer puller with a 3-jaw puller attachment. If you lived in or near Houston, TX you could borrow mine but NC is too far away for that. I suggest that you call or visit an equipment rental place as the rent won't be as much as the cost of the tool.

If this were something that you needed to do every now and again, OTC makes a good slide hammer puller. But you will probably never need the puller again, so rent it.