Hi Shaun,

Even if I am not so expert (there are a lot of pro on this forum that could help more) I can explain what I use for removing hands.

For H, M and central second hand I use a Bergeon "presto" tool after having put on the dial a special plastic grey protector pad by Bergeon (Bergeon dial protector 6938, is a thin pad with a central V shaped cut to be inserted under the hands), while for chrono small hands I use a couple of levers (a sort of "pork feet") specifically made for them, you can find many models and size, I put under the small hand a small piece of paper with a thin V cut in order not to scratch the sub dials.
Remember to put over the chrono hands a small piece of transparent plastic paper (the one you use for food conservation into the fridge) while removing in order to avoid they will squeeze away.

To replace hands I use an Horotec hands press MSA05.021, has 8 differents interchangeable tips for every hand sizes, it allows to place hands perfectly parallel to the dial (manual hands press are difficult to use IMHO if you don't have experience and firm hand).

The problem in removing hands, especially with Heuer painted hands and if the watch hasn't been serviced for years, is that you risk to crack the paint near the hand shaft because of the flexion suffered by hands when you lift them with the hand remover (in fact you see many watches with the central seconds hand having paint peeled off around the shaft).
With hands with full lume you can also risk to crack it if old and dry because of the tension applied pulling the hands upwards by hand remover.

But removing hands is an obliged step if you want service a watch, so take a ddep breath and...

My 2 cents.

Best.
Gianluca