Stuck pistons

How do you guys get stuck pistons out of rusted engines?

I just beat the the living **** out of 3 slant six pistons and one came out in pieces after I got the air hammer on it. (Pics to follow)

A Jack handle and sledge hammer helped get about a 1/2 inch gain even after soaking it with oil and ATF.


There has to be a less barbaric way...... that was a dang workout and then some