Rather than using a brass rod, which can work harden and actually deform the soft metal used in sights, use an aluminum drift iinstead. The aluminum will not deform soft steel and the silver stain that's left can be removed with solvent.
emcon5 posted:
Brass rod and a small hammer is about as universal as it gets
+1
If you find such a device, let me know. I also like to keep a file in my range box. I have been able to use my AK/SKS tool to push some front sights over.