small block oil priming question

Got a new priming rod from summit and I want to prime my 340. Couple questions, when I pull my distributor gear out, do I need to make sure it goes back in any certain way? Also, are they hard to get out? Any little tricks? I was going to just bend some 18 gauge steel into L shapes and pull it out like that. Also, which way should my drill turn clockwise or counter. Thanks