Speedometer Replacement

Hey guys, just wanted to touch base about the imminent need I am going to have to replace my speedo. Is there a trick to getting the needles off the tach and speedo shafts? When I had the cluster apart the first time, I attempted to pull them off with my fingers, but didn't want to pull TOO hard and damage anything. I had a bad experience with a Honda cluster and am fearful of putting too much pressure on them, or in the wrong way, or with the wrong tool. Also, I had read somewhere that, when putting the needles back on, to plug the cluster in and key-on for a few seconds, then install needles, is this correct? Any tips for a first-timer?

Mike