Freehub Removal

[Andy in Germany]

So yesterday I thought I'd solved this problem when I removed a Freehub with a 10mm Hex key.

Now I've come across half a dozen where the 10mm key doesn't engage anything from either side. I can see some splines inside the axle, but the 10mm key is either too small or the wrong shape. Is there a specific tool or do I just need an 11mm key?

 

[chriswoody]

How you got a photo of them? Frustratingly there are often numerous ways, but often with common tools. For example the novatec hub I recently stripped had no means of holding the freehub body in, instead you used a 6mm hex key on the non drive side to remove the axle end cap, then the whole axle/freehub assembly just came apart piece by piece.

Another possibility is checking tools like freewheel removal tools, bottom bracket removal tools etc, for fit in the splines. I know Race Face cranks use a Square Taper BB removal tool, to remove their lock rings.

I know you won't be trying to strip a Race Face crank, but it's just an example of how odd choices of tool need to be used for applications where you might least suspect it.

 

[Ajax Bay]

You will need either an 11mm or 12mm hex depending on the hub (access and unscrew from the left side obv).
How about https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/socket-sets/sealey-9pc-hex-key-socket-bit-set-3/8in-sq-453406.html

 

[cyberknight]

yes 11 mm is one of the standards , you can buy them as i had too get one when i had the same issue

https://www.bike-discount.de/en/park-tool-hr-11-hexagon-socket-angle-wrench

 

[Big John]

I've got a selection of box spanners that I inherited from my dad that come in useful for getting freehubs off. Just one example of what chriswoody was saying. I never thought I'd get to use them on a bike but they've been used quite a bit over the years.

 

[Rooster1]

I have never been able to remove a freehub using an allen key Doing something wrong

 

[Big John]

I have never been able to remove a freehub using an allen key Doing something wrong

They're a notorious bugger to shift. Sometimes you need a length of pipe to use on the Allen key to give a bit of leverage.

 

[newts]

One of my wheels required an 11mm allen key, from memory I used the 1/2" square end from a socket extension bar (snug fit, 'lightly' tapped in with a hammer) as a hack.

 

[rogerzilla]

12mm and 14mm are fairly common too.