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    Xtremely stuck (left) crank

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    15 Comments

    1. Pallas_in_my_Head on

      Dremel moto-tool would be good, with a cut-off wheel. Just be sure to use it outside, and with eye protection.

    2. rictendo on

      You could also cut the tapered end of the BB off, and buy a more modern sealed one.

    3. DeadBy2050 on

      1. Ride it around the block. It’s not a guarantee, but there’s a good chance it will loosen enough to pull off.

      2. Or spend $10 and buy a pickle fork tool.

    4. Pickleinmayo on

      Have you tried a crank puller?

      As you have already cut up the crank arm I second the call to just take it for a ride

    5. MGTS on

      HEAT. Use a torch to heat the arm, as the aluminum expands, it will loosen its grip on the BB

    6. bruinknight on

      I’m assuming you have at least tried a crank puller if you went as far as cutting it

    8. Hugo99001 on

      There are crank pullers that don’t rely on the thread.  I’ve had luck with hardwood wedges (two, slot in the middle of each for the spindle)

    10. badger906 on

      You need to cut closer to the edge with a dremel, then use a chisel to open it up as best you can. Become a bit of an expert on these over the years repainting vintage bikes!

    11. Maipmc on

      1) Ride it without the screw for 50 km.

      2) Don’t have a backup plan for returning home

      3) Say out loud. “Man, it would be a real pain if the crank fell right now”

      4) Enjoy your unstuck crank.

    12. Number4combo on

      I used to remove the bolt then take a ride around the block and it would fall off eventually.

    14. Visual_Humor_8461 on

      I had a similar situation recently. Threads for crankpuller were made of cheese and crapped out on me. Two flathead screwdrivers prying gently against bb worked for me in the end

    15. TvmozirErnxvng on

      Only if you’ve found out earlier to loosen the lock ring and loosen the cup by using screw driver or needle nose pliers. Then place the crank into a vise then whack the spindle with a hammer. so you’ve save both bottom bracket and crank arm.. or just cut the spindle between the crank arm and cup, and hammer the stucked spindle part.

      So now you’re here. Just cut and grind sides parallel to the tapered edge as thin as you can be careful as you may over grind and damage on the taper. And if the sides are thin, hit the crank arm with hammer. Even only one cut and grinded side can loosen it if you are lucky enough. 

      Cutting perpendicular to the sides won’t get through the crank arm as the cutted metal is still thicker nearer the cup.

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