i would like to change up my freewheel from time to time, but i don't have a bench vice. i live in an apartment, so even if i had one, i don't know where i would bolt it down without getting in trouble for damaging the apartment. i have a Paul Word hub and three freewheels: 16, 17, and 18t. i have a 32t ring in the front. right now i am on the 16t because i have been using my bike to get around more often, but when i went to the trails the other day i about died trying to climb with that ratio. i have a freewheel tool but there seems to be no easy way to remove the freewheel without a bench nice. ideas?
freewheel removal without a bench vice
mack_turtle
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i would like to change up my freewheel from time to time, but i don't have a bench vice. i live in an apartment, so even if i had one, i don't know where i would bolt it down without getting in trouble for damaging the apartment. i have a Paul Word hub and three freewheels: 16, 17, and 18t. i have a 32t ring in the front. right now i am on the 16t because i have been using my bike to get around more often, but when i went to the trails the other day i about died trying to climb with that ratio. i have a freewheel tool but there seems to be no easy way to remove the freewheel without a bench nice. ideas?
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5,327 Posts
simple. pop your freewheel tool over the axle and bolt it on leaving just enough slack for a 1/4 to 1/2 turn and then use a large crescent or box wrench to break it free. once you've done that unbolt the tool and it should spin right off by hand using the tool. if it doesn't keep backing the axle bolt off and using your wrench to unseat the fw until it spins by hand with the tool.
easy breezy! :thumbsup:
easy breezy! :thumbsup:
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15,468 Posts
i tried that but i think the crescent wrench i have is too short. it's a little stubby thing and it kept slipping sideways off the freewheel tool. i actually cut my hand open the last time i removed the freewheel. i tried a big pair of "channel locks" and a vice grip on the freewheel tool and well and just ended up straining myself. time to invest in a really big wrench!
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6,581 Posts
i remember back when i used freewheels out back on my ss stock trials bike and had to take them apart then remove the core with a dremmel...
Instead of an adjustable crescent or a box wrench, a big socket with a long-arm non-ratcheting automotive breaker bar (ask for this at an auto parts store - they will know what you mean) should work really well. If you run a solid axle in the rear you may be able to thread a washer over top of the freewheel tool and then spin the nut over that - that will keep to freewheel tool nice 'n' snug. Definitely use lots of grease/anti-sieze on threads every time you change freewheels. Also when you put a new freewheel on, just finger-tighten it, then put the wheel back on your bike and pedal it tight while riding. It's very easy to overtighten otherwise.
Here is another thing to try before you wrench. In order to get my freewheels off I've found it nearly imposible in my bench vice unless I wack the end of the wrench several times with a dead blow hammer (big rubber mallet with sand in it) before putting it in the vice. Then, still with considerable effort, I can get the freewheel loose in the bench vice.
Another thing I found is I can bolt the free wheel tool on fairly tight and it will still turn a bit more than you would think when it loosens up. Then I pull the bolt out and spin it off.
Good luck.
Another thing I found is I can bolt the free wheel tool on fairly tight and it will still turn a bit more than you would think when it loosens up. Then I pull the bolt out and spin it off.
Good luck.
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