Hosscooper

SO I need to change a bottom bracket. What is the best way to go about this? I have no tools and will need to buy some, but what is the best way to go? A all in one kit or just what I need for this job? If there is a better place for this question please advise.
I have a diamondback wildwood classic btw.

beakersbike

You will need either an allen wrench or a socket (metric, probably 14 mm) to loosen the bolts to the cranks. You will need a crank puller, they're typically around $15. Then you'll need a bottom bracket tool, that can vary depending on what brand you have though I would guess on that bike a Park BBT tool would work, also probably about $15

I noticed that Jenson USA is selling a starter bike tool kit for $50 on clearance right now - that's not a lot more than what you would spend individually for these tools (though it does not have metric sockets).

sstorkel

I'd suggest buying only the tools you need for the job. All-in-one kits, in my experience, either include lots of tools that you'll never use or somewhat mediocre quality tools so the kit can be sold at a reasonable price. Most bike maintenance can be done with some metric Allen wrenches and a couple of screwdrivers. Removing the bottom bracket will require a special tool. Depending on the type of bottom bracket you have, the bottom bracket tool might need to be turned using a crescent wrench or a 3/8" drive socket ratchet handle.

sstorkel

Just make sure your crank requires a crank puller before you buy one. All of my cranks can be removed using an Allen wrench...

Hosscooper

Looks like I will need a crank puller and a bottom bracket tool as well! It is a sealed bracket.

sstorkel

It might make sense to look at the available types cartridge bottom brackets to make sure you're buying the right tools. Chances are you have a simple square taper bottom bracket. If you have a splined bottom bracket (ISIS, Octalink) it will require a different removal tool than a square taper BB.

elmore leonard

Tools can last a life time. I think a bike tool box purchase is a good investment if your hobby is fixing up old bikes. For a one off BB, the LBS is good too.

jsigone

post a picture of your crank set, non drive side is fine should be able to see if its sq or ISIS

Price point has a good selection of tools and half price of Park Tools. I'd start there

TrojanHorse

I bought a tool box from Performance about 20 years ago... it's still going strong. The tools aren't quite as nice as the individual ones I've purchased but they are plenty good enough to get the job done.

Hosscooper

Here are pics of the bracket. Seems like, although not seem very well, that I will need a bottom bracket puller like a park bbt-22 although I'm not sure if that is the correct tool. How would I know if that is the correct tool?

rmfnla

No, the BBT-22 is for splined BBs like ISIS and you don't have that.

Can't see the BB cup but the crank will come off with a standard crank puller.

That also looks like a standard BB lock ring so a lock ring wrench would do it there (and leads me to believe the cups might require a pin wrench, but that's just a guess).

As for buying tools, I'd stay away from the sets and get what you need for each job as you decide to do it.

The sets usually come with stuff you don't need and are missing stuff you do.

This topic comes up a lot in the Mechanics sub-forum; do a search and you will see tons of info...

Hosscooper

Missed that forum. Thanks for the info though.

rmfnla

Bicycle Mechanics