Maintenance Tools

[Pauluk]

I am currently buying some of the tools for the maintenance and repair of our family bikes. I have just bought a BB tool and was deciding whether to buy a 32mm socket and an 18" breaker bar for the BB extraction (my current 3/8" socket set only goes up to 19mm). Does this make sense or is there something better I could buy to remove difficult to move bottom brackets?
Also, one of my bikes BB has a locking ring on the non drive side that needs a C spanner (if that's the right term). Do these spanners come in different sizes and if so how do I determine which size I need?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[PpPete]

32 mm socket? Lockrings that need C spanners - these would be old style loose bearing BBs then? What tool is it you just bought?
Much as I dislike spline drive tools the cartridge BBs are so much easier and seem to last forever.
Old 6ft piece of scaffold pipe is always better than an 18" breaker bar... then you can recruit passing family member, however weedy or lightly built, and still guarantee to get the beggar turning..

 

[Pauluk]

Just bought this one

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=27037

which seems to fit at least 4 of the bikes. Only one of the bikes has a lock ring.

 

[sidevalve]

32mm is a big socket, add on a bar and you've got a nice little bill. Still, a 24inch bar will allow a lot of force to be applied. C spanners do come in different sizes but you should still be able to find bicycle specific ones in the tool shops or even on E bay. It may be possible to CAREFULLY tap the ring round with a blunt punch and hammer, worth a try, if the ring isn't siezed it should free off fairly easily.

 

[gwhite]

Best C spanner around I find is the Hozan which is perfect for the job. A bit pricey though.

 

[Pauluk]

32mm is a big socket, add on a bar and you've got a nice little bill.

Thanks for the reply sidevalve. I thought of an 18" bar as I can get a Sealey for £10 and a socket for £6. I have a 2'+ tube I can slide over the bar if necessary. I did think of tapping the nut as you suggest but would like a proper spanner if I can get the right one cheapish.

Best C spanner around I find is the Hozan which is perfect for the job. A bit pricey though.

Just searched this and seem to be mainly in USA not UK and as you say gwhite very expensive, upwards of £20 to £30. Too much for one job!

 

[Andy_R]

I bought this spanner

"That's a big tool you've got there" commented the slightly scary middle age woman at the check-out

 

[slowmotion]

How about a box spanner? £3.65 inc. postage on ebay.

 

[PpPete]

Another cheapie http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160658262650?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[Pauluk]

Yes Pete, just watching that, may order it at the weekend if I can't source locally. Thanks.