I wonder if that thread could go into tips and tricks?
I just realized I have a crank that is plugged all the way to the bearings, it's a perfect one to practice on, or maybe even save it. I'll try to get some good pics.
I didn't get a ball removed yet, but I did drag that old crank out and run a drill through the oil holes that I can reach. The balls on this one stick out so far that I'm surprised tapping them with a small chisel didn't knock one out. I did polish a main with used 400 grit and it cleaned up well.