Maillard freewheel tool
 

Anyone have a Maillard freewheel tool? I have several Maillards with the large diameter, internal spline. I would like to replace the old plated steel spokes with new stainless ones. Bike Tools shows one that is out of stock and two other companies have discontinued theirs.

They pop up on eBay now and then.

Also, do a search of this forum; somebody had the same question a month or so ago, and there were several sources mentioned.

I tried a few of those threads but still a dead end. Some threads concluded that the Park FR-4 would do it but the Park web site says the FR-4 is a 21.6 mm diameter, 20 spline puller. The other recommendations are for Bike Tools and they are out of stock on one and indicate that two other manufacturers are no longer making them.

This one looks more like a 30 mm diameter with 24 splines so I doubt the FR-4 is going to work. Ebay has one helicomatic tool and some that are not splined.

I *think* what you need for this is more commonly called the Large Normandy remover, and I never owned one...I don't know if Park ever made one but they don't carry one to fit it now. Last time I had to remove one of these I went to my LBS where the mechanic said something like: "that's the first time I ever used this tool, I was wondering what it was for". Schwinn used the FWs more than most others, find an LBS that has a Schwinn history and they may still have the tool.

Here is what Bike Tools said,

Our Var order is hung up big-time and we will not see it until Fall
sometime. I have no good sub for that tool at this time.

Manager
Bike Tools Etc

Funny this came up. I too was in need of such a tool as I am working in the neighbor's UO-18. Took it to the shop I least expected to have the tool (I was going in that direction anyway) and they did!

The last time a LBS took a freewheel off for me it was $5. I have three of these Maillard freewheels to remove so I can change to stainless spokes. That is about the cost of the tool. Waiting until Fall is a real bummer though.