Bicycle Mechanics - removing one key release chainset.....

Hi all,
I am removing a shimano 600 chainset with a one key release system for the first time. Is it just a matter of looseing the allen key bolt and gently giving the chainset a tap from the from the underside, 'cause it seems to be stuck, or am I missing something?
Thanks very much in advance.
Regards
Michael

Yes, you are missing something and it's not stuck. What you are seeing is normal.

One-key release systems work by backing out the crank fixing bolt against the threaded collar in the crank's center. Further backing out the bolt pulls the crank arms off the spindle.

When you first loosen the bolt it will turn freely. Then, as its head comes up against the extraction collar, it will get hard to turn again. Keep unscrewing it and pretty soon the crank arm will come off.

BTW, when you reinstall the crank, it's worth while to remove the collar (the ring with the two small spanner holes in it) so you can visually check to be sure the grooves in the crank line up properly with the splines on the spindle ends. Once the crank is seated properly and the fixing bolt torqued down, the collar can be replaced.

Some grease on the collar's threads and inner surface and on the fixing bolt head are recommended to ease removal the next time.

i've got the bolts all the way out and the crank arms are still on the spindle pretty securely. not sure what i should do. . .

hi. can someone attach pictures of one key release cranks. i don't have an idea of this. thanks.

Get a crank remover:
http://www.parktool.com/images/products/productimages/det_CCP-2-other_2005727_14055.jpg

Hillrider's reply is right on the money. If the crank is still not coming off of the spindle you may have to remove the allen head bolt set-up and get a crank extractor tool. Although for the life of me I don't know why the 1 key release is not pushing off against the spindle, unless some parts underneath it rotated. I have 1 (of many bikes in my collection) with the Shimano and/or Sugino 1 key release sytem and it always has worked.

Chances are, it's not a one key release, but simply an 8mm Allen key bolt.

Chances are, it's not a one key release, but simply an 8mm Allen key bolt.
Excellent point. Not all Shimano 9-speed cranks had the one-key release. Ultegra and Dura Ace did but 105 and below didn't. Also AFAIK, none of the pre 9-speed Shimano cranks did unless an owner retrofitted Suguino Autex parts.

Yeah, it might not be self extracting. Did you get the bolt all-the-way out?

i have truvativ cranks, ISIS drive (guess i should have mentioned that when i jumped on the thread. sorry). i got the bolt all the way out. they look like one-key release cranks, but maybe they're not. they're the stock truvativs on an 04 bianchi pista if that helps.

^You need an ISIS/octalink compatible crank puller or adapter.

^You need an ISIS/octalink compatible crank puller or adapter.
In that case:
http://www.parktool.com/images/products/productimages/det_CCP-4-other_2005727_67281.jpg

^You need an ISIS/octalink compatible crank puller or adapter.
If you are buying a new puller, get an Octalink/ISIS compatible type. If you already have a puller for square taper cranks, you need a plug to fill the hollow spindle end and give the puller something to press against. Shimano makes a steel plug tool specifically for that purpose (TL-FC15) that any LBS should have cheap. I've also heard a nickel will work but haven't tried that.

thanks for all the help. i have a puller for sqaure taper cranks (for my other bike) so i may give the nickel trick a shot.