This may be a redundant question but I wanted to know: Do different teethed freewheels come in different thicknesses according to teethage? Meaning, aside from being smaller in radius, do they vary in thickness (in relation to spacing on the axle)?

More specifically, is an 18T freewheel thicker than a 16T freewheel?

Thanks.

...no

...yes

...just kidding. No.

Thanks. I've only ever used an 18T so I was curious.

If you change brands there might be a slight difference in width. Some of the heavyduty ones are pretty thick, but we are still talking less than two mm

I have seen 3/32 and 1/8 advertised before.

Interesting. The original reason I was curious was because I got a new wheel today (Van Dessel flip flop) and bought a new freewheel (Shimano BMX). When I threaded the freewheel on, the four ridges (not sure what the official term for those are) were exactly flush with the inner axle. Thus when I mounted the wheel the four ridges were brushing against the frame. I added a space to clear that and all is well.

However, it made me consider or think about whether or not freewheels came in different thicknesses.

If you ever buy a freewheel, take it out of the box and make sure it has the four slots for the removal tool. If it has two give it back and get another.
You don't see to many two slot FW any more, good, as the two prong FW tool is hard to find and not as sturdy. Nothing like having to disassemble the FW and pipe wrench it off the hub.

Funny you mention that Rev, cause I read that in another post you had commented in and did remember the four slot tip. Thanks to you.

I am rapidly heading down the road to senility and tend to repeat myself.

Nah, you're just impassioned about the 4 slot. Death to the 2 slot!

most 2 slot freewheels (or a lot of them anyway) are 15T and less. and use a smaller hub diameter...think of an old BMX "flip flop" hub.

also, freewheels come in 3/16" sizes now...but they require the really big chain...made by KMC and a company called Kink. ironically, that chain has a tendency to develop stiff links and get kinda...wait for it....KINKED! HAR!!!!!

Didn't know Kink made freewheels. Huh...