How many of you have your own BB tools to clean threads, clean faces, and do other assorted stuff like converting one thread size for a more common and current thread size?

The reason I'm asking is because I currently need to chase/clean some threads in the BB and just priced the ParkTool BTS-1 setup, and at $500 or so it ain't going to happen. The old parts came out but they don't want to go back in, and I don't want to cross thread things and turn a frameset into scrap metal. I figured I'd clean up the other frameset as well. One is the BCA in 58cm ctc, the other is a Bridgestone Kabuki at about 63.5cm ctc, both too big for me (one could work, the other no way). I assume both will need that 1.370"x24tpi tap set.

I guess I also need to find or make a chart of the various threadings and directions which I've never really taken much note of in the past.

Second question since I haven't had need to do this yet, what does it take to convert a loose ball BB to a newer cartridge style assembly? (Yes, I'm being lazy, but since I'm tool shopping I figured I'd ask anyway.)

edit:
Third question: what's the best way to get a fixed cup out that uses/needs a pin spanner? My little bent spring arm pin spanner isn't working. I'm thinking I need a bolt-thru plate with short pins sticking out of it and a wrench flat of some sort. This is on the Bridgestone Kabuki frame. I'm about to try a drift pin and big hammer.

We have them at our shop, of course, but only for English thread. We don't have the need to chase/face enough bb's that aren't English threaded to justify the cost of anything else. For a home mechanic, I'd say having one of these tools is cost prohibitive for most folks. I know a mechanic pretty well at an older shop, and when I needed to chase/face the bb on my Pinarello, I called him and he was kind enough to do it pro bono. We talked while he did it, and he jokingly asked me if I wanted a really good deal on a French thread cutter.

I would love my own BB tap set to clean threads but yes price is the biggest obstacle. there are really two common sizes Italian and English and if you mostly buy Japanese bikes you will normally encounter just English BB shells.

as for changing an old spindle and cup to a modern cartridge BB it is simply a matter of finding the correct spindle length and offset and the cups to match your frame. unless you do something like the VO that threads to itself you still need threads in the BB shell.

The Sheldon Brown method using a threaded rod and some nuts & washers sounds like the best method of getting that fixed cup out. I'm glad to say I've never encountered a fixed cup that takes a pin spanner!

Keep an eye out on the bay for BB taps, they come up fairly often and can be had for about $100......taps only. I use the taps with a large crescent wrench as a handle.........works fine. I also picked up a nice die set for steer tubes pretty cheap on the bay

I do. English/Italian/French/Swiss BB taps. Bicycle Research BB reamer for converting to Italian thread. English/French/1-1/8" x 26tpi/1-1/4" x 26tpi steer tube dies.

Where are you located in Wisconsin?

I'm down in Port Washington but currently work near Pewaukee.

I've got some access to a shop with the tools, but they are just about to hit their seasonal layoffs so the folks I'm in good with are about to go on their 8 month "vacations". I may just have to wander down there and try to catch them before they scatter to seven different states to find subsistance work.

Does that fixed cup have no flats on it at all? That's a terrible design imo, as that means you can't put it in a bench vise. Try the Sheldon device first. If that doesn't work and if you're going to trash the BB, you could saw or grind some flats on it. Grabbing the cup in a bench vise and turning the frame is the best method I know of.

BB thread cleaning is the one thing I use my LBS for. $25 a BB shell is a lot cheaper for me than the tool at this point.

But I do have and have used the Sheldon fixed-cup removal tool

Yep, no flats at all, just two shallow holes just waiting to be beveled out leaving one with a scrapped up knuckle.

I was just curious what others did or had. I suspect John is better equipped than most shops are, and if I find I'm heading up that way for a soccer game or something I will send a note.

I think I'll head to the shop later this week and see if one of the less seasonal guys is back from his vacation, might work a horse trade with him (clean/tap one, keep the other) if I can catch him in. Worst case is I drill a couple of holes or open up the pin holes or Dremel the opening into a square. I'll post pics if I get ornery on it.

On your second question, it takes $10 for a UN26 (the cheapest Shimano option) and one tool. I tend to keep several sizes on hand, as the LBS wants $20 each for UN26 cartridge bb.

I used one yesterday, as I harvested a Campy crankset and bb from a bike, and replaced it with a Shimano 105 from the bin, and a UN26BB. I bought ten in various sizes on my last Niagara order, I am going through them fast.

Most of the time, I just replace bearings and grease on the old spindle and cup bb. 95% of the time, they are fine on the neglected bikes I pick up. But 90% of the cartridge bb I find on neglected bikes are toast. Unscientific of course, just one guy's experience over a couple of hundred bikes.

Once you have to replace a bb, a new spindle and cup bb on line is going to cost just about the same as the UN26. So at that point, I go cartridge.

I would love to have a set of bb taps. Until then, one rule I ALWAYS USE is always start a bb with your hand. Thread it in several turns, then pull out a tool. If it doesn't start by hand, stop, and start over. Had one yesterday, the first two times, it didn't go. The third time, no problem. Leave the tool on the bench until you have threaded it in several turns. Force = damage.

FWIW, I also have this -- the "professional" version of the Sheldon Brown tool:

I have access to most of the frame threading & chasing tools needed at the shop I work at, I would love to have these tools myself but unless the deal of all deals happens I don't think it will happen.

I have found that a 1/2" or 5/8" nut & bolt works 95% of the time for me getting stuck BB cups out. I am working on a very frozen cartridge BB on a Trek 800 Antelope right now & so far nothing has been able to get the NDS moving, heat and my Snap On IM650 impact gun haven't been able to move it yet. I have let it soak for a few days in CRC which I sprayed down the seat tube after I heated it up.

https://www.dotbike.com/p/9473

We have a Park with just the BSA standard taps at
the coop here in Sacramento which is a slightly
nicer tool........but not twice as nice.

The exception to paying VAT for us in the USA
usually covers the shipping. All the Cyclo tools
I've tried seem good value and reasonably functional.