I was in search of a good spool pin tool. The pliers like ones take a fair amount of force to pop the pin out and could send it flying. I wanted something with a little more controlled release. I found it with the HedgeHog spool pin tool. It is basically a small custom made press to press the pin out and back in. True, it may take a little longer than the pliers version, but there is really no risk of losing a pin or creating damage when used correctly. They sell direct on eBay, so you can find them there. It took about 6 business days to arrive from Japan. I can even swap the spool bearing now without even having to pull the reel from the rod.

I found them cheaper now on Tackle Trap.
http://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1517_1521&products_id=6465

One word of caution, be careful with the thin pin end. It will bend if you bind it. I did 8 reels pretty quick with the tool.

Boca bearing also has a pin tool.

I dont have any issues with Boca's pliers myself but have been curious about the hedgehog version. My question is you say you can replace the spool bearing without having to take the reel of the rod? You should be able to do that no matter what tool you use as all you have to do is remove the side plate and slide the spool out?

True. I would imagine the Hedgehog tool easier to manage than pliers. Much more compact and a much more controlled removal of the pin. There is nothing to catch the pin with the Boca pliers. The Hedgehog has a nice little cup that captures the pin lowering the chance of dropping it and going on a hunt for it.

We have never used a tool to remove pin. we just use a small punch and tap out the pin. We hold reel in hand tho. When we began cleaning reels( about 20 yrs or so ago, there no such thing as a tool. We had to be creative. LOL. We have never bent a pin. Takes practice. LOL