Head Removal: Tips 'n Tricks

['29 Pickup]

Please can I have people's tips and tricks for a relatively easy head removal, preferably without cracking the head which I intend to re-use and without special tools.

I've seen the rope trick but that only works with an engine relatively free of rust, which I suspect mine isn't. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TNwtHdvH1w&t=26s
Car not running so won't be able to use engine compression.

Not a big fan of the plate and bolt procedure.

Thanks.