mixture control screw

i was wondering if you have to remove the stock carb from the manifold in order to remove the saftey pin that blocks the mixture control screw? what is the easiiest way to remove that pin in order to get at the mixture control screw? I have a spare carb that i attemped to take the pin out with a punch and a few love taps from a hammer but just managed to bell out the bottom of the pin.....anyone know how to do this?

Thanks Eric