I use a metal hole punch the same size as the outer diameter of the pin, and with a hammer tap it through. They have always seemed to survive, so I just tap them back in after the swap.
Yep - the hole punch must be larger than the inner diameter of the pin, and smaller than the diameter of the pawl. When you replace the plunger - you can reuse the pin - but be careful that the two side of the pawl remain parallel - or the plastic plunger link will not move freely !
