What kind of bike are you working on and how old is it?

If it is a BB with free bearings, then the left side bottom bracket bearing cups and lock ring should be normal standard threading - rightee tightee, lefty loosey. (Bear in mind MichaelW's correct info that French bikes CAN BE weird and opposite).

Also, it is the left side which is the removeable side. Don't spend energy, time, and tools trying to loosen the permanent side (right side).

Unless the mechanic who worked on the bike before you was an idiot, the BB parts are usually not put on too tight. They are usually put on just snug. Thus, if it seems you are putting a lot of torque to your tools, you are probably doing something wrong.


Be sure to use the right tools. Bottom Brackets use weird and specific tools. Try to substitute something else and you will do a lot of expensive damage.