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Old 05-08-13 | 09:07 AM
  #8  
ksisler
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Originally Posted by aidanpringle
The bolts are Allen key on both sides.
Probably not. The Allen key hole on the backside is the same hole as the one on the front, it just goes all the way through. The funny looking tool in T-Scott's recommendation is to hold the backside nut steady while you tighten the bolt from the front with the allen key. Really. Either way, its only six or seven bucks to get right. Easy to find the tool on Amazon like here:

http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-Chai...chainring+tool

Shimano has a variant like found here:

http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-TL-FC2...chainring+tool

Might also want to check you existing bolts. If the hex hole in them is not good with sharply edged socket, they should probably be replaced with OEM steel exact replacements. Yes on the locktite also. And imho, no on alloy bolts unless your crankset came that way originally and then use only exact replacements, torqued to spec with locktite. When the initial tightening is done, Locktite is still in liquid state so your should use the torque spec for a "lubricated bolt" vice a "dry bolt". The OEM's webpage for your crank should have all the specs if you no longer have the spec and install sheets that came with the crank.

If you don't already have a torque wrench specific to bikes, recommend this one (TW-2) from Park. I spent a lot of time trying to find a better or cheaper one, but this is the right answer for installing cranks, RD's, bottom brackets, etc. You can easily do a proper 3 pound-inch tightening sequence with it or a 450 inch pound external BB bearing install, etc. Trust me, this is the perfect TW for bike use and it is also physically down-sized to work well on a bike sized task. It is the middle sized bowl of porriage pappa bear was looking for. Find it here:

http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-TW-2...pd_sim_sg_cy_1

To use a 1/4" drive TW on a bike that mostly based on use of allen wrenches, use this kit of bits as found here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Most of the above are basically essential toolkit items (although retail stores would likely want higher brow versions due to more extensive use/wear in such environments).

FWIW
/K
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