Ah Grumpy! we shall agree to differ a little here I think. I can and do understand your point of view (Re: quality tools etc.), I like your idea of the screw in the crank too (and can forsee trouble for the novice there too).
However, what prompted me was Rodeobob's Suggestion...
"A two leg puller and a long 3/8UNF bolt."
A bearing of "suitable size" not to damage threads / crank on the end of this will reduce friction considerably.
Friction is the enemy and limits the pressure that can be applied. (3/8" bolts are inexpensive and easily re-dressed if damaged, you will find that if you dress the end flat on a grinder the ball will bed in slightly) Although I use a 7/16" bolt myself...
Improving the pulling power (by reducing friction) of a home made set puller set up was where I was coming from..(and it makes a noticibly better)
I hope that qualifys my flippant suggestion a little better guy's.
