Bicycle Mechanics - Need to remove cranks from BB

I posted this earlier in the wrong forum, so here is a copy and paste of the post in the Mountain Biking Forum:


I recently purchased RaceFace Prodigy XC cranks with a RaceFace SRX bottom bracket. I have not put these cranks on yet, as I need the proper tools that I will be buying tommorow. My problem is that I got too anxious and went ahead and attached the both crank arms to the bottom bracket outside of the bike. I tightened the allen screw snugly, but not too tight. I then thought it would be easy to remove the crank arms off the bottom bracket for installation, but I cannot get them off with my bare hands. I know that there are crank extractors, but I am not sure how they work. So will I be able to remove the cranks from the bottom bracket using a crank extractor? Or does anyone have any other methods?

Thanks in advance!

-Garrett

Im not sure, but possible grease it in some way? Maybe it'll slide off...

Also, if you have a vice, or something that will grip the cranks, wraps them up in a cloth so they dont mark the cranks, and then use a soft ended mallet and tap it off gently, possible both of these methods will work, they may even work well together :)

Thanks for the reply! I will go try it and let you know how it works.

-Garrett

I'd read the tech material that came with the cranks and bottom bracket; I believe you're supposed to be able to remove race face x series stuff without any other tools. You could also do a search for their website. Don't know,cause have I never worked on your type of crank. If you need a specialized tool, I'd get that-- it would avoid any potential damage. The proper tool saves you a lot of headaches, so I'd first find out what it is. From what little I know of Race Face cranks, you may have that tool in your box.

I got them off safely using Cornish_Rdr_UK's tip. Thanks for your help!!! :)

-Garrett

Thats ok m8 :).. Dont do it again :P