On the older versions you put the knockout rod in the holes in the spindle to stop that while breaking the faceplate loose and then turning it off. (counterclockwise) The newer 1014's have a spindle lock you can use but I still like to secure the spindle itself with the knockoutrod to avoid straining the spindle lock pin.
To get the spur out, run the knockout rod in through the handle so it is against the back end of the spur and rap it a few times. You can just slide the knockout rod in so it raps against the spur and after several raps it usually pops free. Sometimes, if its been stuck in there a while you might have to rap the knockout rod with something but don't get carried away beating on tings!