fiataccompli

Don't know if I'm lucky or stupid, but out of the 20+ bikes around my house I've never needed a tool to remove/install an ISIS bottom bracket. Looks like my luck or ignorance is changing, so I'm shopping for such a tool. The ones on Ebay are basically just specialty sockets, right? Is there any one that's probably better than the others? Is using one for long spindles a hassle when the extra depth isn't needed (that's a place where a short socket would make good leverage easier, I would think). So, what's your favorite ISIS remover/replacer?

thanks in advance,

maddmaxx 

Internal spline type or Truvativ? There is more than one type of Isis bottom bracket removal tool. I have a nice external Truvativ type but it requires a 1 1/4" box wrench that's a little outside the normal range of wrenches.

AnthonyG

ISIS Bottom brackets DON'T use ISIS specific tools for anything. This ISIS part of ISIS is the spline between the BB and the crank but this uses a pretty standard crank puller just as long as you have the little insert for a hollow crank.

Most ISIS bb's that I have use a Shimano tool for removing or installing the BB unit (lots of internal splines between the axle and shell) but Truvativ BB's use a different tool.

So, it depends on what you have.

Anthony

joejack951

If you have the Truvativ external notch bottom bracket cups, don't waste your money on the Park Tool tool (https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...9&category=215). It's an ill-fitting tool with a bizarre design that has 8 flats on the end of the tool meaning you can only use an open ended wrench with it. The Truvativ tool (https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...1&category=215), OTOH, is an impressively snug fitting tool with a 1/2" square drive on the end for easy use with a big torque wrench, and you'll need a big one to get those cups torqued to 50 ft. lbs.

fiataccompli

I guess this (https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...2&category=215) is what I was thinking of. Don't think I need to work on any time soon are Truvativ, but I gather there is a difference in the splines for those....

AnthonyG

I have that tool (or something very similar) and its a nice tool. You would however classify it as a Shimano BB tool.

Anthony

fiataccompli

OK...thanks. My working BB experience is probably only now being broken out of it's circa 1990 time capsule, so sorry for my caveman sensibilities! I would guess this tool works on a variety of brands of BB cups, correct?

HandsomeRyan

Chris [fiataccompli],

Although I know money spent buying a tool is rarely money wasted; I ordered a set of bike tools from Pricepoint that says it includes an ISIS crank remover and an ISIS Cartridge BB tool. If either of these are tools you need you are welcome to borrow them.

[threadjack] ...and on an unrelated note: I know you work on old cars; you don't happen to have a sand blaster do you? [/threadjack]

fiataccompli

Yes - I'll shoot you an email.

40 year old Italian cars, no problem - 15 year old bicycles & I get confused.....go figure

AnthonyG

Yes that tool works for numerous cartridge BB units. Shimano, FSA, and Token to name just a few. Its one of those time when there was a modicum of standardization. Truvativ went there own way though.

Anthony

capwater

Got me a cheapo one from Nashbar, handles Octalink and ISIS.

joejack951

That tool, or any other labeled-as-ISIS-specific spline type bottom bracket tool, has the same spline pattern as has always been used for catridge type square taper bottom brackets. Based on what I've read, some of the original spline type tools had to be updated when ISIS spindles came out due to the large diameter of the ISIS spindle compared to a square taper spindle. Again, from what I've gathered, any new internal spline catridge bearing bottom bracket tool will work with both square taper and ISIS spindles.

The Truvativ cups use an external eight notch pattern. You can kind of see it here in this picture where I was showing how badly the Park Tool tool fits the notches. Note how little engagement there is.