Originally Posted by
CliffordK
I have wondered about those rings.
The other issue with Octalink, of course, is that a standard extractor doesn't fit. I think I have a bolt that fits well down into the crank (loose fit). But, the perfect size to pull the crank.
I have an extractor with an interchangeable head for both types.
On my Ritchey cranks that have extractors built in, I took them apart when I first mounted them to grease the extractor/bolt interface and Loctited the extractor threads before tightening them down firmly with a red Park pin spanner. They also function fine.
I imagine an unlubed extractor that is barely finger tight will work just as poorly as a finger tight extractor tool. The forces involved should bulge the extractor ring before it damages the threads.