I am trying to install a set of Koolstop MTB pads (dual compound threaded cantilever pads). In the past with cheap brake pads I've wrapped a rubber band around the edge closest to the rider (for the front wheel), squeezed the levers and tightened everything up. This gave me the correct amount of toe in. With the Koolstop pads, the edge closest to the rider actually protrudes slightly (manufactured that way). Yes, I'm putting the 'L' pad on the left side of the bike. My rubber band trick is not working and I am getting constant squealing from the pads. When I lightly squeeze the brake levers and look at the pad/rim alignment the protruding edge and other end (correct end to touch 1st) touch the rim at about the same time. It seems that Koolstop has created a pad specifically designed to squeal?

What am I doing wrong? Any tips for easy installation would be appreciated (these are threaded cantilever brakes). Thanks!

I use these same pads on my V-brake MTB, but I must've gotten lucky. I simply plugged in the new pads, aligned them on the rim and tightened. If the angle was off, I loosened, adjusted the cam washer and re-tightened. The claw sticking out on the back is a bit of nuisance, but I adjust it to be right outside of the range of the brake lever movement.

Can you clarify why your rubber band trick isn't working? The pad's convex/concave washers should provide enough angle adjustment to get toe-in even with pad's angled tip. Maybe just a bit of patience and experimentation is what you need. It just might take three or four small adjustments to get it quiet. You could try setting one pad up parallel and one side toed in.
One option is to simply file down the protruding end of the pad.
I use the same pads on the rear. If I remember correctly, I initially set them up with toe-in, but due do the angled tip, the amount of toe in required resulted in pretty mushy brakes, so I wound up setting them up parallel to the rim. I had some initial squeal, but they quieted down with just a bit of adjustment and time. The angled tip really does make a difference when riding in the rain. The wet braking is much more effective and I don't get that grinding sound of the silty water wearing away my rim walls.
I use Kool-Stop V-brake inserts in the stock Shimano holder for the front brakes. I think I prefer the inserts/holders versus the pads for overall feel, but I liked the way the rear pads are curved, perfectly matching the curve of the rim.

interesting

I use a business card folded once for toe-in adjustment. I slide it in about 1/2" at the 'wiper' end of the pad, hold pressure on the lever, and tighten the holder. Works on V-brakes and calipers, so I think it should work for canti's.

How much pressure are you guys using on the lever? A full pull (entire pad flat on rim) or just enough to hold the pad in place?

To clarify, you are having success with setting the toe-in so the "claw" and front edge touch at the same time? If so, I will keep playing with the adjustments & double check that my rim is clean.

Here's a hint; Almost all the threads in Bike Mechanics that complain about brake squeal involve Kool Stops. bk

which cantilever brakes are you using?
avid cantis are known for having squeal.


I've had my CR-720 with koolstop pads squeal on me, but they went away after a single ride.

I can not speak for anyone else as far as squeal from Koolstop's, but the reason I first tried them was to get away from a set of Shimano pads that would not be quiet, no matter how I set them up! After discovering the card trick, I was able to brake in relative silence. No brake squeals, at least--once in a while when some nithead pulled out in front of me and I had to really slam on the hooks, I might be squealing a little bit!

As a side benefit, I have found a LOT less pad debris on my rims since switching over to KS.

I have been using Koolstops on my commuter since the end of last season and I only get squeal if they get REALLY dirty. The dirt issue is normally after riding in the rain.

A quick clean of the pads and rims with some rubbing alcohol and silence returns. I also find that they provide much better stopping power and plus one on a lot less debris on the pads.

Thanks everyone, I got the pads to quiet up with some further adjustment. The cantis were Tektro Oryx (on my LHT).