Newby, with Questions

[fxrer]

float pins

A spring loaded center punch likely works fine....... but not everyone has one in their tool box, especially of the small diameter required.

But the method with side cutter pliers works great, and everyone has a pair of them.

Go here (in the Maintenance: carburetors section of this forum) to see a picture:

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=84

Then check out the other tips for carbs in the same section.

[skids]

If you go buy a pair, find the type that are beveled only on one side, i.e. the inside, and are flush on the outside. That way you can use them to "bite" behind the head of the float pin. Be aware that even with the side cutters, you can break off the opposite goal post if it is really stuck. By all means, when you put the thing back together, do not drive the pin all the way back in...there is no need!