I want to regrease and adjust the wheel bearings on my 2012 Giant Escape 2 and after removing one of the cones and measuring, I'm still confused on which cone wrench to purchase. There are 4 flats on the cone. The measurement across 1 set of flats is .500" and the other set is .541". It would appear I need a 1/2" cone wrench but all I can find on Amazon is metric cone wrenches. Could somewon help a wannabe bike mech. out?

Use a 13mm on the small flats

After zeroing out my caliper and remeasuring, I came up with a measurement of .507" which is most likely going to be a 13mm (.511") wrench. Thanks Bill

Almost all cone wrenches are metric so you just have to convert your inch measure to mm which is, in this case 13mm.

When they aren't you can usually make due with a metric equivalent.

Sometimes you might need 2 of one size like a 15mm. Other common sizes are 13 and 17mm.

Keep in mind, the "other" axle is probably different.

Yes, Im going to measure the rear cone also before making any purchases. Thanks

I like the ones that are stepped .. 13/15 on one end and 14/16 on the other .. only need 2.

17 is usually the locknut, then a thicker wrench is fine.

My advice to you is buy a set from Park or others that go from 13 to 19 mm. You will eventually need every one of them and they are cheaper when bought in a set than individually. Roger

It is, 15mm for the rear hub. Cone wrenches are on their way along with some grease.

Not everyone works on multiple bikes.

Or not. Two pairs of my cup-and-cone hubs use two 13mm wrenches up front and two 14mm wrenches in back. The other pair uses a 2.5mm hex key to set preload with no cone wrench. My cartridge bearing hubs take no cone wrenches.

The only cone wrench I've ever needed 2 of is 14 mm, a common size you didn't mention.

For cones I have 13,14,15, and 16 mm and use a standard sized wrench for locknuts... have yet to have a need for a 19 mm cone wrench.

Also have some Sturmey Archer cone spanners which are not metric and are used on rear internal gear hubs.

I use Sugino cone wrenches... they are about as well made a tool I have ever owned.

My point is if you buy 4 or 5 indiviual wrenchs you can get a complete set for the same or less money. Roger

14? interesting. I don't even own one. I'm usually working on shimano hubs.

Avoid Performance Bikes store brand wrenches, to soft metal, they deform easily.