If your bottom bracket doesn’t function properly then you may want to replace it or upgrade it. Because they attach to the bottom bracket shell differently you will need to know which of the bottom bracket tools you will need for the job. In this article I will show you different types of bottom bracket tools and how to use them.
Bottom bracket tools for threaded bottom brackets
Tools required for cup and cone threaded bottom brackets
Fixed cup wrench.
This tool fits the 36mm flats on the fixed cup on the right hand or drive side of the bike. To remove the fixed cup fit the tool onto the flats so that you can unscrew it clockwise.
Some fixed cup spanners are offset so by having the angle of the handle outwards, you won’t hit your knuckles on any part of the bike. Make sure you fit it the right way round.
Lock ring spanner.
This tool is equipped with a hook that fits into the lock ring’s slots on the non-drive side of the bike. To remove the lock ring fit the hook in the slot so that you can undo it anticlockwise.
Adjustable cup spanner.
The tool fits on the raised 16 mm flats of the adjusting cup on the non-drive side. To remove the cup fit the tool so that you can unscrew the adjustable cup anticlockwise.
Pin spanner.
Some older adjustable cups have two holes and the pins on the spanner fit into them. To remove the adjustable cup slot the pins in the pin holes so that you can unscrew the cup anticlockwise.
Cup and cone bottom bracket tools often come as 2 in 1 sets. By purchasing 2 in 1 tool you can save space and money rather than searching for individual tools.
Tools required for cartridge bottom brackets
20 spline tool.
This tool fits into the bottom bracket slots on both fixed and adjustable cups. To use this tool you will need an adjustable wrench or a socket spanner.
Fit the tool into the bottom bracket and attach a wrench or a socket spanner so that you can unscrew it clockwise on the drive side and anti-clockwise on the non-drive side.
Tools required for external bottom brackets
External bottom bracket tool.
Notches on this tool fit into the slots on the bottom bracket shell on both drive and non-drive side. This tool can also be compatible with some centerlock disc rotor lock rings.
Fit the tool on the bottom bracket shell so that you can undo it clockwise on the drive side and anti-clockwise on the non-drive side.
Bottom bracket tools for press-fit bottom brackets
Press fit bottom bracket bearing removal tool for 22mm and 24mm spindles.
This tool forces through the bearing holes and re-expands when it meets the internal edge of the cup.
To remove the bearing or the bearing cup, tap the end of the tool with a mallet until the bearing or the bearing cup comes out.
Press fit bottom bracket bearing removal tool for BB30 and PF30 systems.
This tool comes in two parts. The extractor fits through the axle hole and lodges behind the bearing.
The stabilising cup sits on the outside of the shell and tightens the extractor against the bearing to pull it out.
Press fit bottom bracket bearing press and compatible bushings.
This tool is required to refit the bearings. Two bushings on each side of the tool press evenly on the edges of the bearings when the handle of the press is turned.
- Remove one end of the bottom bracket press.
- Slide the bushing onto the long side of the bearing press.
- Now slide the bearing. It should firmly sit on the bushing.
- Feed the bearing press through the bottom bracket shell.
- Now slide the bearing onto the bearing press and slide the bushing.
- Place the other end of the bearing press and turn slightly until the bushing and the bearing start compressing on the bottom bracket shell.
- Once in place, while holding one side of the bearing press turn the handle on the other until the bearings will slot in place.
- Remove the tool.
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