Do I have to use a chain whip?
03-09-06, 07:39 AM
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Do I have to use a chain whip?
Okay so I have a cassette that is too small (11-21) and and planning on trying my friends old 12-25 before I buy one of my own. So taking off the cassette, I have the shimano bolt thing already but dont have a chain whip. The LBS is selling one for like $22! Thats a lot for me, especially if im going to buy a new cassette. Im cheep sorry. So I have the bright idea to wrap an old chain around the cassette, and use that like a chain whip. Didn't work. Are there any alternatives, or is a chain whip a must? Thanks!
03-09-06, 07:55 AM
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some people just use an old chain (like you tried apparently) and secure the end (by standing on it or something)-if your cassette is on tight though it might be difficult
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03-09-06, 08:00 AM
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Chain whips can be had for much less..Would think yer LBS would bust it loose for ya if you dont want to invest in one though..
03-09-06, 08:05 AM
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yeah, i bought one for less that $10 at performance recently. It's the Spin Doctor Performance-branded one. Worked like a champ for my first at-home cassette change.
The Park Tool one is twice as much. May be a quality factor there, but not for infrequent changes.
The Park Tool one is twice as much. May be a quality factor there, but not for infrequent changes.
03-09-06, 08:10 AM
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I've heard of using a section of old chain held together by a pair of Vise-Grips so if that's better than what you did, give it a try.
I own the Park SR-1 chainwhip because I work on several bikes and the cost of the tool gets amotized over a lot of uses and years. The Performance and Nashbar house brand chainwhips are functional and a lot less expensive.
I own the Park SR-1 chainwhip because I work on several bikes and the cost of the tool gets amotized over a lot of uses and years. The Performance and Nashbar house brand chainwhips are functional and a lot less expensive.
03-09-06, 08:17 AM
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Try these pages for homemade chain whips
MTB homemade tools
MTB review
I am all for using what you have on hand. If you order things online, look at some of the basic tools while getting that new 'thang' you want--if you buy tools one at a time it's not too bad.
nashbar chain whip $8
good luck!
MTB homemade tools
MTB review
I am all for using what you have on hand. If you order things online, look at some of the basic tools while getting that new 'thang' you want--if you buy tools one at a time it's not too bad.
nashbar chain whip $8
good luck!
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03-09-06, 09:07 AM
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I once used the chain wraped around a piece of wood and stood on it. Clumbersum and dirty, but it did work. 
A chain whip is much, much easier to use and the cheap ones are half the price of a Park (work just as well).
A chain whip is much, much easier to use and the cheap ones are half the price of a Park (work just as well).
Last edited by bccycleguy; 03-09-06 at 09:17 AM.
03-09-06, 09:12 AM
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Bunch of limp wristed pansies.........just grab it with your hand......
Seriously, chain whips can be had for so cheap it's not worth trying the ghetto tool method unless you're away from the tool box. I run about 3 different cassettes (training, road racing, crit racing) so having a real tool makes sense.
Seriously, chain whips can be had for so cheap it's not worth trying the ghetto tool method unless you're away from the tool box. I run about 3 different cassettes (training, road racing, crit racing) so having a real tool makes sense.
03-09-06, 09:44 AM
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lbs is ripping you a new one.
lbs near me had a cheap generic version for $7. Even has the rubber coated handle. The Park Tool version was around $14.
lbs near me had a cheap generic version for $7. Even has the rubber coated handle. The Park Tool version was around $14.
03-09-06, 10:00 AM
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A chain whip is one of those tools that every home bike mechanic should have. I've tried everything I could think of to remove a cassette lockring but it is damned near impossible to hold it tight enough to loosen the lockring without a chain whip. I know...I've tried. 
I'd try Performance Bike for an inexpensive chain whip. I think I paid about $10 for mine.
I'd try Performance Bike for an inexpensive chain whip. I think I paid about $10 for mine.
03-09-06, 06:58 PM
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I can't believe no one has suggested the dirty old rag technique, yet. Grip it with a dirty rag while removing the lockring. Easiest thing in the world.
03-09-06, 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by tgarcia2
I can't believe no one has suggested the dirty old rag technique, yet. Grip it with a dirty rag while removing the lockring. Easiest thing in the world.
03-09-06, 08:09 PM
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Okay, I didn't pick the handle "Toolboy" for nuttin' I invested in the Stein Hyperhandle which holds the cassette without a chain - locks on to the cogs (11 14 teeth) Works about the same as the whip and costs about the same but gee it's HYPER so it must be better! Right?
03-09-06, 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Dirtdrop
That's the method I've always used. It hasn't failed me yet. I've posted it here before, but nobody seems to believe it. I decided to just let people waste their money on chain whips.
I tried the rag method and it doesn't work on my 12 yo Trek 850. I could barely get the damn thing off with the chain whip. The Spec Pro may be another matter. I'll bet you waste your money on fast food instead No?!?
03-09-06, 09:55 PM
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clamping the cassette between two wooden blocks in a vice works. a chain whip does not perform some magic, it just holds the cogs. anyone who claims to have trouble removing a cassette, has never tried to remove a freewheel before!
03-09-06, 10:05 PM
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I have an older (1973) bike repair manual that suggests making your own whip out of a piece of discarded chain and some scrap iron. Tried it three times - failed three times. Bought a pair of whips from Nashbar - think I paid $16 for both on special. One of the best invests I ever made.
03-10-06, 09:07 AM
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Originally Posted by toolboy
Okay, I didn't pick the handle "Toolboy" for nuttin' I invested in the Stein Hyperhandle which holds the cassette without a chain - locks on to the cogs (11 14 teeth) Works about the same as the whip and costs about the same but gee it's HYPER so it must be better! Right?
03-10-06, 09:28 AM
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A chain whip at Performance costs $5.97.
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03-10-06, 10:31 AM
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Originally Posted by mactheknife68
Yeah, Hyper hype, maybe..Seriously tho, we got one in our shop and IMHO it doesnt improve on the old whip a bit. In fact it adds the extra step of matching cog size-NABD but why bother?
03-10-06, 12:31 PM
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I've not removed a cassette, only freewheels or fixed cogs, but I'm wondering if a modified rotafix method might work for the cassette?
https://204.73.203.34/fisso/eng/schpignone.htm
https://204.73.203.34/fisso/eng/schpignone.htm
03-11-06, 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by tgarcia2
I can't believe no one has suggested the dirty old rag technique, yet. Grip it with a dirty rag while removing the lockring. Easiest thing in the world.
HAHAH! Good one! You might as well suggest to people to start gripping the cogs with their bare hands!
