BassManNate

So, I'm in need of a crank puller and need to know what size to buy. I have an SR Apex crankset from the late 70's. I would assume they're just the standard 22mm size but would like to be sure before I purchase. I really don't have a way to measure them.

Edit: I'm also having trouble removing one of the dustcaps. The driveside cap screwed off with ease but I'm having quite a time trying to get the other one off. They're just plastic so I really would like to avoid destroying them if possible but may have to anyway and replace them eventually.

randyjawa 

I frequently run up against this dust cap issue - the non drive side is stuck. Try as I might, it is always a crap shoot. Usually, the plastic is just not strong enough to withstand the torque necessary to break the oxidized seizure free. That said, I should add that I am usually in a hurry and tend to be less than gentle with a dust cap, unless it happens to be in pristine condition.

Roll-Monroe-Co

I'm sure the crank is standard. I only have one puller, and I have removed apex cranks numerous times with it.

The dust caps ... or one of them, usually disintegrate when being removed for the first time since 73. You'll probably have to destroy the face and pick the rest out of the threads. It's tedious. Next time you put some in, grease the crap out of them. Velo Orange has some attractive looking aluminum ones.

Bianchigirll 

actually once you get the dust caps off you can see if a standard 22 fits (assuming you have one) then you know if need a 22 tool or the one of the 23/23.5 tools.

I did see a link somewhere to a double tool that I think was 23/23.5 where was that.....

if you have to buy a tool I would atleast try and buy a 22/23 one.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-crank-pullers there are a few links to them here

unworthy1

does your spindle use bolts or nuts? I have a "Maxi type" remover that backs out much farther than a standard puller, which make removing the cranks on nutted-spindles much easier...other than that, it's 100% certain an SR crank will be 22mm threading.

BassManNate

Thanks! I'm pretty sure these dust caps have not been removed since the late 70's when it was assembled. I usually grease just about everything that has threads on a bike so I figured this wouldn't be any different.

I would love to find some aluminum dust caps! Are these the ones you're talking about? https://www.velo-orange.com/susnduca.html Not sure cause they look like they're plastic in the picture.

BassManNate

Looks like it has nuts on a square taper. What's more difficult about removing nutted spindles?

I was looking at getting the Park Tool CCP-22 crank puller. Is there a better one? I realize that there's the universal that will fit square or splined cranks. I don't have anything with splined cranks at the moment. Which is easier/better to use aside from the fact that the universal will work with either? One that is made for just one type of crank or one that will work with either?

CardiacKid

The bolt keeps some pullers from reaching down to the nut. If you have a Park puller, it should not be a problem. Some of the cheaper ones (Spin Doctor) are too shallow.

Oldpeddaller

It's a 22mm standard fit. I use an Ice Tool puller but any standard one will do. The plastic caps are not that important, I replaced mine with MTB stainless hex bolts because the originals were rusty - and I like the look. Lovely chain set by the way, I'm really pleased with mine. Suits my 1993 Giant perfectly!

illwafer

fyi, the spin doctor puller has a piece you can remove on the tip of it with a small hex wrench. i remove it to pull cranks with bolts, then put it back on for normal use.

BassManNate

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I have one more tool question. Once I take the cranks off, I'm going to open the bottom bracket out because it hasn't been serviced since the late 70's. The lockring has 4 notches in it that I would assume I could use a spanner wrench on. It looks like the cup itself has 2 notches opposite each other instead of holes like Sheldon's site talks about. Could I use the same spanner to loosen the cup or should I go ahead and get a pin spanner like Sheldon talks about?

Old Fat Guy

I believe this is the tool you would use:
https://www.parktool.com/products/det...25&item=HCW-11

BassManNate

Could I get away with using a ring wrench on this though?

Bianchigirll 

ring wrench? it is not quite as precise but.. you can (and risk scratching things) use channel locks on the lockring and longnose or needle nose to adjst the dup.

the problem is without the correct spanner for the slots it makes it hard to get the adjustment right.

I know we all like doing it ourselves but I am sure the LBS can do this for the cost of the tools.