So I bought my gf a BB (my LBS gave me a great deal on a Phil Ti spindle they had collecting dust). I told them what size I needed (110.5 Campy Taper), I go in to pick it up and one spindle is obviously longer than the other. I ask him if it's asymmetrical, and he tells me it's not.

I know phils are designed to have about 5mm of adjustment room, is that what I'm seeing?

Please skewl me on teh pwils.

one side is longer than the other, or you got two spindles? Measure with a ruler for good measure.

Rule of thumb, long side goes to the driveside.

Yeah I guess that wasn't clear, one spindle. One side of the spindle (the driveside I think) is without a doubt protruding from the body of the BB, IIRC about 5mm. Which leads back the 5mm of play issue.

but the spindle is symmetrical in your hand outside the bottom bracket shell, sans bearings? If it is, then it means your bearings aren't seated against the cups properly. Undo and try agiain.

I'm referring to the BB as it is assembled, but not installed in a frame. Maybe I'll post a pic later.

According to the Phil Wood specs, the Campy taper 110.5 mm spindle is supposed to be symmetrical:

https://www.philwood.com/Price%20List/P12.pdf

Right. The thing that puzzles me is that when I told the guy at the LBS (by the way this is a good shop with knowledgeable staff) that it looked asymmetrical he took it, held it up and said, "Yeah it looks symmetrical."

?

Anyone with actual experience with PW BBs?