Installing SunRace M42 13-34 7-speed freewheel
 

I was just wondering if I really needed a chainwhip to tightly secure a freewheel. If it's safe I'd rather just use the freewheel remover tool instead spending more money on a chainwhip. The only thing is that this freewheel is a little older and the splines on it don't seem as defined as on newer ones. Do you think I'll strip the splines if I try to tighten all the way with just the removal tool? Thanks.

A freewheel is tightened when you ride it, you only need tools for removal.

Indeed. Nothing will tighten a freewheel quite as well as doing an out-of-the-saddle climb. If you want to be sure that the freewheel is locked in as tight as it can be, just head to the nearest hill and mash as hard as you can. Of course, even normal riding should be quite enough.

Haha I can't believe I didn't think of that. Thanks

I think you should tighten it as much as you can before you ride it. This will ensure the derailleur adjustments are right.

Procedure:

- grease threads on hub
- screw freewheel on wheel with your hand (carefully!)
- put wheel on bike in normal way
- shift to lowest gear in front and in back (small chainwheel, large sprocket)
- put bike on ground
- hold the bike still and stand on pedal
- check derailleur adjustments