Caught out by my own attempt at cleverness.

[TonyEnjoyD]

Recent issue with my MTB (Trek6000) where middle chainring is badly shark toothed.
Anyway, bought a replacement just before Xmas but only just got round to fitting it today, so, out comes the Bikehand and tools and off I went starting to strip I'd ready... Off with the crank co, out with the crank puller, em Hello! Nothing happening.
Seems to be a hollow BB and nothing to push against.
"aaah" I thought to myself, just unbolt the big ring and off it comes. Then the middle ring... Nope, the inner, nope and try as I may, I couldn't get it off

Eventually had to give up n the frame with bag of bits in the car for Mrs T to drop at LBS for me tomorrow.

Ah we'll, at least I tried.

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

Sounds like a hollow tech 2 crank or similar. Just undo the bolts on the crank on the non drive side. Remove the crank, push the crank thru the frame, sometimes needs a little nudge with a rubber mallet or hammer and piece of wood.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Unfortunately @bromptonfb, it's not - I ave a hollow tech on my roadie (105) and just checked it, there's no nut/bolt/clamp tat I can see

 

[simon.r]

I'm doing this from memory, but if you have a 'normal' crank extractor and an Octalink BB, a 5p piece will act as something to push against. (The 5p gets destroyed in the process!)

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

I'm doing this from memory, but if you have a 'normal' crank extractor and an Octalink BB, a 5p piece will act as something to push against. (The 5p gets destroyed in the process!)

So do u insert the 5p from the drive or non-drive side?

 

[simon.r]

So do u insert the 5p from the drive or non-drive side?

I am going back a few years here, so this really is dredging my memory, I'm guessing you have a 'normal' crank extractor, like this:

As opposed to an Octalink extractor like this:

You can see the difference is the 'cap' on the end. Pushing a 5p coin into the crank (after removing the bolts!) gives the end of the 'normal' extractor something to push against.

It does work - I have a very damaged 5p coin to prove it - but probably better to spend a few quid on getting the right tool.

 

[ColinJ]

I tried using a coin and bent the coin! You can get one of these little plugs which is designed to do the job properly. Pricey for what it is, but it saves hassle and means that you don't need to buy a new crank extractor.

 

[MontyVeda]

a few years ago i discovered by accident that you't need a crank extractor. If your crank bolts are loose-ish, the cranks will work themselves loose just by riding the bike... don't ride it too far though as you'll be pushing it home, so round the block or round in circles is advised.

 

[Psycolist]

Y'se, if you where a dinosaur like me, you wouldnt have these problems. Good 'ol square taper !

 

[Drago]

You can use a square taper extractor on an Octa set up if you pop a penny under it.

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

Thanks all.
Wife took into LBS for me n they sorted it - GRATIS, A pre-emptive call sorted it.
I ad bought all three of my bikes, initial kit and a double kiddie trailer from them in the past tho.

 

[mickle]

You can use a square taper extractor on an Octa set up if you pop a penny under it.

Bargain! Everyone else was quoting five pence!

 

[ColinJ]

Bargain! Everyone else was quoting five pence!

Except for the bit where I tried it and bent the coin without extracting the cranks!

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

She's all sorted and ready for the snow, ice and sub-zero in the morning.
Thanks again for the advice all.