It's been a long time since I've dealt with cottered cranks but now I have two bikes I picked up from CL to deal with that have cottered cranks (a Raleigh sport and a "Roger competition", http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...ine-parts.html).

I've removed and installed cottered cranks before with just hand tools but I know this is not optimal so I want to either buy the right tool or make something that works.


Is this is a slam dunk situation and I just need to pony up the cash for a cotter press from bikesmith design, New Crank Cotter Press Has anyone used this tool? If so, how well does it work?

Alternatively, is there a "home made" solution that works? Sheldon Brown's website talks about using a length of pipe tubing that can be wedged between the crank and the floor. Cottered Cranks

That makes sense. Has anyone tried this and how well does it work?

Or there other ideas and/or alternatives?