Originally Posted by
HillRider
Sure an axle vise isn't essential but it sure makes the job easier and less awkward with no chance of damaging the axle threads or the locknut. Its a relatively low cost tool so there is really no need to avoid using the proper one.
i have not damaged one axle nut or threads yet all season. i assembled 1200 bikes this season. i do use an axle vise on hubs that have freehubs. its just faster to put the axle nut straight into the vice. the freewheels get removed for greasing then reinstalled, this provides access to the locknut and cone
Originally Posted by
MichaelW
On the road when I dont have a bench or axle vice I set the locknut to the cone finger tight with the cone a bit lose. I put one cone wrench on the OTHER (lets call it fixed) cone and on on the locknut, ie one wrench on each side of the wheel. I then tighten the locknut until the adjustment is about right.
THEN move the cone wrench back to the adjusting cone and tighten the locknut.
May have to move the wrench back to the fixed cone and tighten or losen the adjusting cone
i use the park tool method on the road