Bicycle Mechanics - brutal cassette removal

I grabbed an old wheel with a shimano cassette hub and 7spd cassette. I want to switch out the hub but I don't have a tool to take the cassette off with, which I need to do in order to de-lace the spokes. Is there some sketchy method of removing a cassette similar to the destructive freewheel removal method, or anything at all I can do without getting a tool? I'm trying to keep my total project cost at $0.

You'll need the tool. Perhaps you can borrow one. They really aren't that expensive. More than $0, but not bad. You'll need it in the future, tool. Free wheels wear out.

I grabbed an old wheel with a shimano cassette hub and 7spd cassette. I want to switch out the hub but I don't have a tool to take the cassette off with, which I need to do in order to de-lace the spokes. Is there some sketchy method of removing a cassette similar to the destructive freewheel removal method, or anything at all I can do without getting a tool? I'm trying to keep my total project cost at $0.

If you have some aluminum or mild steel stock like 1/8" thick and a used bike chain and a hacksaw and a drill I believe you could make the 2 chain whips that you'll need for a uniglide cassette removal. If its hyperglide, you'll still need one chainwhip which you could make. You'll have to buy the lockring tool but I think you can get one for less than $10.

take it to a shop and they'll probably take it off for you for around $5. Its better than destroying the cassette or hub.

Wait a minute. You're planning to switch out a hub, which involves relaceing the wheel, but you don't want to spend $5.00 for a cassette remover tool? Good luck on your project. You're going to need it.

You can make one chain whip with a length of chain and a pair of locking pilers. Doesn't take rocket scientist or an operator to figure out a second length of chain and a second pair of locking pilers to remove a Uniglide cassette.

Many an LBS mechanic will remove a Hyperglide cassette for $5 or a cold longneck.

Wait a minute. You're planning to switch out a hub, which involves relaceing the wheel, but you don't want to spend $5.00 for a cassette remover tool? Good luck on your project. You're going to need it.
As in, building wheels requires money??? I've been doing it wrong all this time then.

If you have a source of free parts, why not let us know?

Every biker has a magic box with "old parts" written on it, no? :D Anyway, not wanting to spend more than is absolutely necessary is a valid position. If the OP won't use cassette wheels in the future (a stretch), he won't need a cassette tool.

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