Removing the standing rigging

[Crazer]

I have never removed the standing rigging of a boat before in my life. I understand it, and know the principles of how it all is fastened together, but I have no idea what tools might be required and what challenges there might be. I believe the previous owner has left a great many tools on the boat, so I almost certainly have them there somewhere, but I'd like to know in advance what I'm looking for when I go up there to do it. If anyone could explain the process in detail I'd be greatly obliged. The mast is currently down and I will be removing all the shrouds, but probably not the jumper stays (although I may do that too if I have time.) I do know how to remove the compression beam, so I'm covered there :)

[Cruiser2B]

small pair needle nose pliers or diagnol cutters to cut cotter pins in clevis pins. that was all the kept my shrouds to my masthead and spreader tangs. once i had my mast down it only took a few minutes to get all running and standing rigging off

[Crazer]

Thanks! It was as easy as it sounded-once we got the wire cutters, that is.