hands remover
To release the hands without damages, you need a dial protector and a hands remover.
The best tools are the so called “Presto” models from Bergeon, which are available in different types, which allow the removal of hands as well as the removal of driving wheels for indirect center seconds or chronographs. It’s also possible to use the to remove the cannon pinion.
The only really important thing is, to care for quality. The thinner and more evenly sanded the areas are, the easier it is to remove even deeply indented pointers without damage.
Cheap replicas (which are also sold under the name “Presto”) are much too thick and crude and can in the worst case even damage dial and hands. I speak here from experience…
Noname (crude) vs. Bergeon (filigree)
Costs: about 60-70€