Not many "tricks". I only rebuild spindles if they are bad, and I've never had a pulley not come off as of yet. Seen many people on here who couldn't get them off. Yes, if you use a puller it will damage the pulley. You should use a bearing puller like this:
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Take the bearing apart as far as you can so you are just left with the spindle and the pulley (Depending on the style of spindle you have.) Then use the puller or put the assembly in a press. You still may not get it off.
Pulleys are still available new from CCC. Just cut the center pulley off and save the spindle. Cheaper that way.