Cottered bottom bracket tool advice

[leelovesbikestoo]

Hi all

It's time to replace the BB in my Hercules Balmoral, probably the original cottered one. I've see a few loose ball/cup BBs on eBay and the like, once I find the right axle length.

However, I'm finding it hard to find the right tool to remove the threaded lockring. Can anyone tell me what I should be looking for? The lockring has about 5 or 6 dogs set into it, each about 3mm wide.

Thanks!

 

[bm0p700f]

Screwdriver and hammer normally works but first spray some plusgas on it. If its stuck the the lockring ring may become damaged.

Would a Park HCW-5 work? it has three notches but might work on a 6 notch lockring if the diameter is right.

 

[leelovesbikestoo]

Great, thanks. I'll check out the more modern tools to see if they fit.

Any tips on replacement BBs?

 

[Johnsqual]

Hey,

Doesn't the park tool tool have a c-spanner type thing on the other end to the normal lockring tool? That should work ok if the normal tool doesn't fit.

Do you want a cartridge type BB or a more old fashioned cup and cone type?
Cartridge is more convenient, but the cup and cone type is more period correct.

Johnny

 

[leelovesbikestoo]

It's just a town bike, so the cheapest option would do; I don't mind repacking it with grease every few months. I saw a cartridge on SJS, but £15 is a bit too much, even for Hercules!

Will take a look at the Park tools.

 

[Kevinwulf]

The Park Tools lockring wrench is crappy. The teeth are way too short to give purchase on most lockrings.

The Hozan one is waaaaay better. But it is also more expensive.

hozan lockring tool on ebay

the Hozan pliers (there should be a pair or two in that link) used to be the ne plus ultra of lockring tools but I believe they haven't been the same quality in the past few years. The wrenches are still good, though.

 

[leelovesbikestoo]

They look good, but I'll just have a word with my LBS and save myself some money!