I'm trying to remove this freewheel as it's blocking a spoke that needs replacing. I think I have the right tool and I watched videos online of how to do it. Seems simple enough, insert tool, use wrench to turn. But when I turn the tool, the freewheel spins instead of coming off. Is it maybe not actually the right tool and not fitting right? It only goes in about a 1/4 inch, should it be going in more? Suggestions?

Thanks.

It is a cassette, not a freewheel. You need a chain whip to keep the cassette from turning

Ah, ok. Right tool, though? I shouldn't expect it to go in more or fit more snug?

Thanks.

Hard to see it well, but that appears to be a freewheel removal tool, not a lockring tool

​​​​​​https://www.parktool.com/product/cas...ng-tool-fr-5-2

Ah, ok. Yeah, that'd make sense why it doesn't fit perfectly. It is a freewheel tool...

Thanks.

With a chain-whip your freewheel removal tool MIGHT work. I've removed many Shimano cassette lockrings with my FREEWHEEL removal tool.

You can use a scrap length of bicycle chain clamped into a vise-grip pliers to hold the cog whilst using the cassette lockring or freewheel removal tool. The wrench on the tool is on the left as you face the wheel and you push down on the wrench whilst keeping the chain on a cog to prevent the freehub from turning.

Cheers

Good idea, I'll give that a try, thanks.

The spline pattern is identical, it just doesn't insert as far. I've used a Shimano freewheel tool on cassette lockrings since they were introduced in the '90's.