I just wanted the leverage. I mostly deal with cassettes and not freewheels and I don't care if I slightly mar the seldom used socket, That sucker is longer than the edge of the rim. Another way is if you have a good vice (most vices are bad, like that '80's show) put the freewheel socket in it and drive the bus to the right. You get leverage on both sides of the rim.
Well I got the new freewheel cluster on, the new chainring, and new chain. This is how it should be.
I have had my eye on the Crombie Tool from Abbey Bike Tools for years, but I just can't pull the trigger when the $7 tool from Park does the job. Maybe if I worked in a shop and used it every day, I could justify it.
Happy New Year 2026. I had no idea this thread would last for five years! I really though it might be for about five geeks & for maybe three weeks back in 2021.
I have my prop-tools. Whenever I give a Free five-minute initial consultation I have a digital caliper, a voltmeter, a notebook, and pen, along with a laptop. My closing ratio on free consultations is 100%, because I will treat the grandson like a man in front of the grandmother. And do actually listen. The technical is fine, but bikes are for humans. It is the human side that makes all the difference. There is no tool for that. I stole an 8mm hex from a Specialized Roll Cargo install kit. I love that thing for pedal crankarms.
