Katiesmalls

I have been hanging around in a bike shop since I was about 7 years old, 44 yrs ago. I tried Sheldon Browns BB tool on my new Waterford Paramount. All I can say is I will never put a spanner on a Bottom Bracket again, slip, and mess up the paint. This is a pic of mine. So simple Tool Tips--Bottom Bracket Cups. no messed up fingers, paint, curse words, thank you Sheldon

Butchchr

Brilliant tool! Oddly enough I use something strikingly similar in design for removing disk brakes that are seized to a car, though the method of using it is entirely different.

eschlwc

this must be for removing the fixed cup, right?

unless i'm painting the frame, i normally just leave it in place after checking its tension.

my park spanner works well enough on the adjustable cup.

repechage

There are a few versions of that tool creation. I made up one in the mid 80's from a description I was given, missing of course is the 14" Cresent wrench to make it happen. On mine I used a big long bushing so that I can access a hex at each end of the insert, so I made mine with a bolt, bushing, one nut and two lock washers.
I still have it kicking around for that once in a while Stronglight cup.
My preference now is the Big Campagnolo too from the tool kit. Yes, a whole different price point but what a pleasure to use.

Chris_in_Miami

I'll have to give the SB method a try some day, but I've never had a mishap using a big monkey wrench when it's affixed by a DIY headset press:

Ed.

Sheldon's tool works very nicely on left-hand threaded cups...

Deshi

The tool hoarder in me purchased one of these...

https://www.vartools.com/images/photo...758_499_XL.PNG

long john

Thanks for the photo this is great. Like my head set press tool KISS keep it simple stupid.

Prowler 

Gosh, I thought I was the ONLY person that still used a monkey wrench. I don't use it for BB cups but those very parallel smooth jaws and wide opening are handy for many things. I made copper caps for mine to protect chrome surfaces.

I use Sheldon's 'tool' too and have had good results. The two primary victories were on a '75 Gitaine and on my current winter project Raleigh Grand Prix. IOW it 'goes both ways'. The cup on that Raleigh went in almost 40 years ago, lived a hard life and came out last month. The only unique aspect to my tool is that I found a steel spacer (about 8mm thick) that has a smaller diameter than a standard washer - more like the diameter of a lock washer. The point is that this spacer is much smaller than the diameter of the track where the bearing balls ride on the inside of the cup.

When I install this rig that spacer goes against the inside of the cup with the other washers 'above' it so there is no chance of any clamping force mashing steel against the ball track. I can apply a lot of force when needed. Ratchet wrench on the inside and 2 foot breaker bar on the outside using an impact socket. Pisser strong force. Oh, I use an impact socket only because it's so thick and a close tolerance 6 point socket - tighter and stronger than a standard socket. Its the socket I use to get the mower blades off the John Deere.

miamijim

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...technique.html

Phil_gretz

I've just used the sharp steel jaws from my garage bench vise to hold the fixed cup. Turn the frame...voila!

Chris_in_Miami

I used to use my vise as well, the downside is that I need to clear off the clutter on the workbench to make room for a frame to pivot. The bench vise is unbeatable for removing freewheels too.

daf1009

I made up one of those...what a great tool...hail Sheldon!

But...I must say...I have to start using @miamijim ' s method of pushing with his foot!

Phil_gretz

Yes. Yes, it is... [nods knowingly]

JohnDThompson 

Yes, those are the best, and they have a variety of jaws to fit different cup styles. I have the Campagnolo version of that tool, which works on the same principle but the jaw only fits cups that follow the Campagnolo "standard:"

mechanicmatt

Ok this thread has made learn something today. Both in Sheldon's and MiamiJim's version. Very cool indeed.

noglider 

I've tried Sheldon's tool, but it slips on me. What might I be doing wrong?

brian3069

The nut and bolt has to be very tight. Are you using lock washers, I think that's important.

Velocivixen

I've never had to use one, but it's a great idea. I did​ make my own headset press using online instructions and it worked great. Also made a tool for removing pressed headset cups and it worked great also.

miamijim

Nothing. And now you know the flaw w/ the nut bolt method.

noglider 

I love validation. Thank you.

JohnDThompson 

I had that problem as well, on an Italian thread Atala. I ended up up using the commercial version of the Sheldon tool instead, which did remove the cup:

fietsbob

longer Bolt and a Big thick Fender washer (i got 1 made to use in Prestressing Concrete, its Thick) holds the Campag type combo Fixed cup wrench on solidly

to 'persuade' the other end with a Dead Blow, Soft faced Hammer.

I use it with the Tool Mentioned above..

BGBeck

Is that the infamous "left-handed monkey wrench"?

reptilezs

do not use the split lock washers, use another nut to space it out. under high load they flare out and you loose clamping pressure.