I need to remove my crankset and I don't currently have a crank puller. The cranks came on my Surly Cross Check and they are Andel RSC6-217XR

Andel's website has no info on this crankset. Is there a way to identify if it's self extracting or if I will need special tools?

Can you upload a picture of the crank arm? Usually, a self extracting arm will have a threaded dust cap with two holes into which a spanner can be inserted for tightening or removal.

Some non-self extracting arms also have dust caps though.

Buy a crank puller. Or go see your local co-op or lbs.

Ok, so even if it's the self extracting type I will need a crank puller?

No. I'm not sure why surreal responded the way he did but self-extracting crank arms can be removed with nothing more than an 8mm allen wrench (preferably a hex socket bit with a decent size ratchet for leverage as they'll be fairly tight and will get tighter as they start to pull the arm off the spindle). You can also use a crank puller after removing the dust caps and crank arm bolts but that requires another tool (pin spanner for the dust cap) and possibly an adapter depending on the spindle type (Octalink and ISIS need the adapter).

If you have the self extracting type , there no need for a tool , just use a 8 MM hex and turn the bolt counter-clockwise , there will be a point where it be hard to turn but will be the point when the crank will "pop" off . just keep turning until it does . If you don't have the self extracting type ,then yes you will need a puller .

OK, so back to my original problem. I can't find any info on this obscure crankset. So the only way to find out is to use a 8mm hex and see if it comes off

That's one option if you don't have a camera. If you can post a picture, I'm almost certain I can identify for you whether it's self extracting or not. Do you have a torque wrench to reinstall the crank arms after you pull the arms off?

Not self extracting.

I think part of your problem with finding info on the crank is that it appears you have the wrong part number. I found this which seems to be your crankset: https://www.andel.com.tw/products/pro...&pid=4&cid=18#

Part number RSC3-217XR

My guess is you have the square taper version as Octalink and ISIS cranks do tend to have self-extracting bolts while it's far more rare for square taper cranks to have that feature.

Thanks

Agree, it's definitely not self extracting.

so I would need this?:

https://www.parktool.com/product/cran...-cranks-ccp-22

Yes ,you need that tool .

B/C the SCC stock crank is not self-extracting.

Ha. That's a good reason

Any reason why you didn't just say that from the beginning?

I figured it was implied. Besides, that's one of those tools we all ought to have. It helps one make some cycling buddies.