re-upholstering my old laz e boy, can't figure out how to dislodge the pin ?

my problem is figuring out the mechanics employed in the 'footrest control arm' attachment. The arm turns a square shaft that leverages the footrest to extend out in front. I'm trying to take the wooden handle off, while I re-upholster the chair. Thier is a hollow metal pin that goes through the square shaft and the wooden handle, securing them to each other. The pin has a very small center. I've tryed tapping it hard, pushing and pulling it, but it isn't budging. Is someone familiar with this type of pin through square axle attachment? This was made sometime in the 1960's. Thanks for suggestions,
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