Hey guys, i have been fighting with this BB tonight, and figured i need some advice.
I read that in order to loosen i rotate counter clockwise – it just wont come out. I was almost laying all my weight on this thing, still nothing. Its probably rusty in there or something
Any tips?
by dsfaswow
13 Comments
Try spraying some PB Blaster around the threads and let it seep in, and/or use something to extend the length of the tool to add leverage.
Are you trying to undo it with that large Hex Key ?
Providing you are going in the right direction, you need a big, long handled wrench or a strong bar and socket.
You would need at least 12 inches of leverage, preferably a lot more.
wrong equipment
that looks like one of those amazon chinese bike kits
get a proper 3/8 or 1/2″ breaker bar and get a C clamp to compress both sides as everyone else has already recommended, spray some PB blaster to help it free up
[1/2 in. Drive, 18 in. Breaker Bar](https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-18-in-breaker-bar-60818.html)
[12 in. Ratcheting Bar Clamp/Spreader](https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-ratcheting-bar-clampspreader-62123.html)
I agree, that Allen wrench isn’t enough. You need a longer lever. Get a big adjustable or a handle with a socket attachment on it
Lengthen the lever and use your weight to break it free. Or if you have access to a vice clamp the flats of the socket in the vice and use the frame as the lever. Slow constant pressure usually is the best option.
Sometimes if a BB is reluctant to come out I have to resort to a 24″ ( 60cm ) breaker bar & socket even then they don’t come out easily. You are not going to move it with an allen key
Thats why i have A 2 foot Crescent wrench at home . But also it helps to make sure you undo the lockring side first and then the fixed side.
I always just use an impact. Be 100% sure you’re turning in the correct direction to loosen before pulling that trigger though.
1. Use a longer M7 bolt + washer to **secure the tool,** otherwise it will slip and damage the threads. Or order one directly like [this](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61Kic2EGbnL._AC_SL1500_.jpg).
2. Use a longer wrench or longer lever –> More power
I personally use a 2 foot breaker bar on tapered bottom brackets. It’s still a big struggle sometimes.good luck 🍀🙌🏻
Figure out how to hold the socket in place and go at it with an open end wrench
If all else fails, put a torch to the bb shell to expand it. /s
More torque. The mathematical answer to your problem is
Torque = force x length
The force is your strength of your muscles. Not much you can do about that.
However, you can change the length in ways like, using an appropriate tool, or finding a way to lengthen that tool you already have, like a small but long and sturdy cheater bar.