To each his own. I've owned and used pickle forks. Sometimes they work fine and other times it's a real pain even with a air tool type. A quality tool should last a lifetime. If you ever get the chance to use a proper balljoint/tierod remover then you'll understand quickly why I would promote acquiring one. It takes no effort to get the job done quickly and painlessly. While replacing a bad joint would preclude worry over the boot if you're changing a control arm, strut or spring it doesn't make sense to trash a good joint. That's just my humble opinion.

Bought one off JC Whitney for about $20 last week. They informed me after I sent the order that it would be shipped out April 10th. Glad I paid for the expidited shipping @#$!

I just did mine (all nice and spanky looking now) and had no interest in reusing the old BJs. Simply hold the knuckle arm as far as possible away from the BJ and smack it (with a ball pin) at 90 degrees to the BJ pin (don't hit the pin) and it will fall out. Might take two or three smacks but she'll come (no pun intended), no tool required other than the hammer.

My neighbour showed me how to do this - he says it's the taper of the pin that makes it work.

Anyway - worked for me.