McSpin

I have shimano 600 brakes levers from 1980. I'm trying to remove them from the handlebar and can't find a tool that will take them off. There is a nut inside the lever that looks like it would require a very thin-walled socket. I can't seem to be able to get any other tool in there and I can't find a socket thin enough that will fit between the nut and the brake lever housing.

Any ideas?

colnagorider

Your LBS should have a thin walled tool for that. Here's what I did, when I was in a pinch a few years ago. I took my "el cheapo" socket and ground it down with a bench grinder 'til it was thin enough to fit. Works to this day so I keep using it. You do run the chance of it breaking though. Some of the higher quality individually sold sockets that you can buy at the Auto Parts Store should carry the thinner walled sockets. NAPA should be thin walled and probably STANLEY too and I've seen them individally sold.

McSpin

Unfortunately, I don't have a local bike shop. I have to make a 100 mile drive round trip to the nearest shop that is well equiped. I usually have to figure this stuff out on my own (with the help of you guys!).

I never thought of grinding one down. I have lots of extra sockets, but unfortunately only one set of metric ones. I think I'll go to the auto parts stores to take a look. Thanks,

2tall

I have a set of Superbe brake levers that have a nut on the inside, possibly like yours. I found that a nut-driver (looks like a screwdriver with a thin socket head on the end) just barely fits inside, but it does fit properly. Any other socket is too big in diameter.

The nutdriver is part of a Sears Craftsman metric nutdriver set. Hope this helps.

McSpin

I have several nutdrivers, with matching sockets, but all are too thick. There isn't more than 2 or 3 mm between the nut and the housing. The problem appears that the nut isn't perfectly centered in the housing which means it requires an even thinner walled socket.

I think I'll pick up a cheap metric set and then grind it to what ever thickness is required. Thanks for everyone's suggestions.