Bicycle Mechanics - Removing stripped crank arm

What methods/techniques can I use to remove a stripped crank arm at home? Is it something that is easily done by a shop?

If the thread has stripped so the puller won't work, get a small hub puller and use it. Take up the tension and then pour boiling water over the crank arm and it should free off.

If you are in the vicinity of a Harbor Freight retail store, they have a set of three graduated size pullers the smallest of which "may"
fit. These are designed to pull gears and pulleys off of shafts and assume more clearance than the crank has. By using the smallest one, and perhaps grinding down the end of the bent parts (that actually grab the crank) to thin it up so the arms will fit behing the crank. As the back of the crank is typically curved the arms will slip off unless restrained perhap by a stainless threaded hose clamp. Steve

The Barnett's way and therefore technically "correct" way to do this is to put the bike in riding condition, remove the crankarm securing bolt or nut, then go out and ride gently around the neighborhood. Pay close attention to the arm as it will eventually wiggle itself off the spindle, hopefully. Sometimes more drastic measures must be taken. It has been my experience that a tie rod separator between the crankarm and bb shell can work - if you are careful. Good Luck,

-Ryan

I can confirm the riding around does work, it worked when I did not want it to before :)

Harbor freight probably other hardware stores have these little metal tab things.. not sure of the name. They look almost like a very two sided small cheese grater(sp?), they are designed to hold a screw in place when it has been stripped out it should hold a crank puller on well enough to pull the crank off.

Very informative guys. I have the same problem, and I'll try some of the methods named here.

The Barnett's way and therefore technically "correct"

Oh, really. I suppose thier recommendation of NOT to lube cables is technically correct as well.