Removing an s/s freewheel

[3narf]

Hi

I usually take the wheel to the lbs and they take it into the workshop and return with the wheel in one hand and the freewheel in the other.

This time I thought I'd buy a tool. Can't get it to shift, though!

Would they usually put the tool in an immovable vice (which I don't have) or is there some other esoteric method?

Thanks

 

[raleighnut]

Generally a vice with the tool mounted in it.

 

[3narf]

Generally a vice with the tool mounted in it.

Yeah, that's what I figured. I have a huge Record vice but currently renting and nowhere to mount said equipment...

 

[raleighnut]

Yeah, that's what I figured. I have a huge Record vice but currently renting and nowhere to mount said equipment...

I've got one of these little Record ones, very useful

 

[MossCommuter]

Have you got a long handled spanner? I usually need a bit of contortionism, crouching or kneeling over the wheel, freewheel away from me, I stand the wheel up and rest my chest on the top of it to stop it moving and then use a long lever, both hands and my body weight and constant downward force and it eventually will come free.

It's not easy! Good luck

 

[3narf]

I've got one of these little Record ones, very useful

View attachment 393303

Yes, maybe one of those on a door frame...

 

[overmind]

What you need is a cheater bar. It is basically a piece of scaffold pole about 2 feet long. You slide it onto the end of a long spanner to increase the leverage.

I got mine from the local metal recycling place (paid about £2 for it).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheater_bar

 

[EasyPeez]

Oh dear.

I plan to replace my freewheel next month, for the first time. Is it naive to expect to do it with just the removal tool and an adjustable spanner, as per this thread?
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/which-tool-for-replacing-single-speed-freewheels.229257/

 

[mcshroom]

Oh dear.

I plan to replace my freewheel next month, for the first time. Is it naive to expect to do it with just the removal tool and an adjustable spanner, as per this thread?
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/which-tool-for-replacing-single-speed-freewheels.229257/

Probably, though you may be lucky (or strong enough) and the adjustable will provide enough leverage..

You screw the freewheel tighter as you ride (which is better than the alternative, of course). I use a cheater bar (as described above) which slots over my adjustable spanner. If it's a bolted axle and you can thread the bolt back on to hold the freewheel tool then that does make it easier IME

 

[tyred]

Definitely use the axle nut to hold the tool in place. It's safer and less likely to damage the tool/notches.

 

[3narf]

f it's a bolted axle and you can thread the bolt back on to hold the freewheel tool then that does make it easier IME

That's good I never thought of that!

 

[Alan O]

I had to remove two freewheels last year, but I couldn't shift them just with a 10" adjustable wrench (even with the tool held in place by axle bolt). I used a bench vice, which did it easily, but I'm sure a cheater bar would have done the trick too.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Oh the things one learns on CC, I didn't know it was called a cheater bar!
I made myself one out of the tubing of a defunct patio umbrella, it works a treat.

 

[3narf]

Great! Came off no bother once I'd used the axle nut to hold the tool on, and squeezed a scooter handlebar in the vice so it would fit over my big adjustable.