A stuck locking pin is removed from a turbine rotor by forming an aperture in the locking pin. The diameter of the aperture is less than the diameter of the locking pin, such that a thin shell portion remains in the locking pin receiving slot of the rotor. The locking pin then can be easily removed by any suitable means, such as by driving a high-strength metal rod into the aperture. The driving force stretches the thin shell portion, which easily separates from the rotor.