Locking Crankshaft Pulley Securely

[Carrameow]

I'm trying to remove my Crankshaft Pulley on my 83 240D without rotating the engine counterclockwise. I've tried jammimg a block of wood, and locking the engine in gear. (Manual transmission) Neither method works. I'm aware that turning the engine ccw is not good for the Timing Chain Guides, and possibly the valves and pistons?.
Shouldnt putting the manual transmission into gear work in locking the engine? I think it should? Is there a special tool or should i remove the trans and use the flywheel and engine to trans bolt to lock like when I put the engine together?
Sometimes the simplest tasks can be frustrating!