I just got a used bike with a cup-and-cone BB. It's been sitting in a shed for a few years, so I figure it needs to be repacked in grease. I got the fixed cup off easily with a 36 mm cone wrench, but for the life of me I can't figure out how to remove the left cup. Anybody know of an inexpensive trick to getting that sucker off, and then back on?

https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQadjbb.shtml..

If I am not mistaking, both sides should unscrew.

I think once you unscrew the left side, you will be able to take the axle out, the other cup can be unscrewd for inspection, cleaning, greasing or replacement.

At least this is how it was on my bike.

Usually it's the right side(chain side) that is factory installed and very tight. The left side usually has a Lock Ring to remove(Lockring Wrench) then the cup will unscrew easily with a Spanner Wrench. Also note the Spindle orientation as it maybe and bit longer on the right side for proper Crank position.

It is recommended to do all work from the left side and leave the factory installed right fixed cup in place; unless it is loose. Then it must be tightened first and the adjustments will be done from the left side cup.

the non-drive locking is NOT reverse threaded. lockring on track hubs are reverse threaded, but not BB lockrings.

the drive side or fixed cup is reverse threaded on most bikes, although there are many italian and french exceptions. sometimes removing the fixed cup is a piece of cake, sometimes it is extremely difficult. the most important thing is to make sure you are trying to turn it the right way. putting the flats of the fixed cup in a vise and turning the frame will remove the most stubborn of cups, if the vise blocks are square enough to hold the cup that is....

jeez i just re-read the original post, i didnt realize that you are have a hard time with the easy cup to take out!!! are you using the right tool for the job? using a screwdriver and hammer works pretty well once you get the lockring off, but the right tools always make the job easier.

Left sides are always right hand thread, usually have a lockring that takes a special removal tool or a pipe rench for the bubbas. The adjustable cup then comes out wdith a pin spanner or other tool depending on it's configuration or how tight it is. FWIW, the 36 mm wrench is a HS wrench and usully isn't heavy duty enough for BB work,but can work in a pinch.

That's right, the fixed cup was easy to remove w/ a cone wrench, but I can't figure out any improvised way to get a good hold on the lockring of the other cup. I don't have a lockring wrench (it's one of those hook shaped things right?), and the LBS doesn't sell them... so I was wondering if there's some way to grab the notches in the lockring without it.

(Perhaps I should suck it up and have them do it for me, but I've had a personal policy of doing all work myself for the past year )

You can get one off with a cheap screwdriver and a hammer, inserting the driver into the slots on the lockring and tapping lightly on the screwdriver.

The problem using this method is not so much getting it off but getting it properly adjusted when you put it back on. Since your adjustable cup is older, it could be any one of three methods:

1) The adjustable cup might be slotted.

2) The adjustable cup may have a wrench flat, usually 25mm.

3) The adjustable cup may have pin holes.

Which is it? Really, you need a lockring wrench and the proper spanner for your type of BB cup. You're in the DC area; you should at least be able to get a lockring wrench (the Hozan c-205 is a good all around one, though there are others). The pin spanner for option #3 on the adjustable cup should also be gettable and cheap; Park makes one.

Buying the tools (assuming #3) should be about 20-25$; cheaper than shop work and will save you hassles in the future. If the bike a rider, you'll want to overhaul the BB with some frequency (1-2 times a year).

Thank You,

You are correct - sorry

I am trying to visualize it from my desk as my French Bicycle has the Reverse Threaded(Swiss) Right Fixed Cup. However the Left Side Cup(Lockring) is "normal" "clockwise" to tighten.