We have been reading about stone drilling, where stones stick in vehicle tire treads and damage tires. So we purchased from Amazon a specialized tool to remove the stones, that works very well.
Some tire models have stone rejection molded into tires.
Stanley Proto J2306 Proto Cotter Pin Puller
http://www.bridgestonetrucktires.com/us_eng/real/magazines/ra_v14_i2/ra_techspk.asp
Stanley-Proto J2306 COTTER PIN PULLER PROTO - Stanley Supply & Services (http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/stanley-proto-j2306-cotter-pin-puller-proto/p/424-760)
Or, if you have one, a bent needle nose pliers will work.
Or try Amazon...
Stanley Proto J2306 Proto Cotter Pin Puller - Hand Tool Sets - Amazon.com (http://amazon.com/Stanley-Proto-J2306-Cotter-Puller/dp/B003T84G82/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429058373&sr=8-1&keywords=Stanley-Proto+J2306+COTTER+PIN+PULLER+PROTO)
$16.23 with free Prime Shipping
Yep I did buy that tool from Amazon and it was even delivered on Sunday. Nothing has worked as good as our new cotter pin tool, not even our bent needle nose. It is probably how easy it is to hook under the stone and leverage it out of the tire.
I have one of those in my toolbox. It's been sitting there for years, still nice and shiny. I continue to pull cotter pins like I always have, never remembering that tool made especially for the job. Finally, I have a use for it! Thanks.
jor
So many people don't have that tool and don't know what they are missing! I use it lots - especially for loosening hoses, but for many things that need gentle prying or pulling. I've got two and would be lost without them. And every once in a while I actually do use it on cotter pins.
Pick and Hook Set 7 Pc (http://www.harborfreight.com/pick-and-hook-set-7-pc-69592.html)
Harbor Freight $7.99 set
This all-purpose tool set is excellent for punching, scribing and removing O-rings. Featuring a heat treated high carbon steel shaft and durable polystyrene handles, this pick set is built to last even under rigorous use. This handy set is great for do-it-yourselfers as well as professional mechanics to handle a variety of applications.
Ed,
That one on the same page for $1.79 might be good enough for rock removal.
Trent
good eye, Trent. actually bought that set locally after Church Sunday. adequate to pick stones out from the tread of my MINI Winter tires, but not the giant tires on the coach.