Shimano freewheel remover - EARLY Shimano?
 

I have a really old wheel with a Shimano 333 5-speed freewheel. The standard freewheel remover, the one that works for the 600 and later freewheels, is too big in diameter to fit inside of this old freewheel. What tool fits?

splined? 20mm? might take this one:
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cg...item_id=BR-CT4

That looks right! The ID is 20, and there are 12 splines.

I have a Shimano TL-FW-30, which fits more modern Shimano, Sachs/Maillard, and Sunrace (a great tool!). I've seen on Ebay a TL-FW-20, but sellers there aren't listing much info in terms of specs and compatibility.

Yes, as shown in the link, this is referred to as the "Boss" style.
The pain of this freewheel style is, you have to remove the axle & bearings to use the tool.:notamused:
I'm happy to leave these freewheels in the parts bin after the first removal, and replace them with something easier to work on.

Not if the hub was assembled correctly. Removing only the nut and spacer will give enough clearance for the tool to fit without removing the axle.

Well, this is necessary if the Shimano freewheel is mounted on a Phil Wood hub. Phils have no separate spacer.

No, I think it's true. You are correct when talking about the "new" Shimano spline, but the old one required removal of the axle.

As was often the case, Shimano designed their components to work best with other Shimano components. Shimano (and many other) rear hubs of that era used a cone, tabbed washer and thin locknut on the drive side. Then a spacer and final nut to clear the freewheel. The cone and thin locknut would be securely tightened, while the final nut tightened only enough to keep it in place. That way the final nut and spacer could be removed without affecting the axle.
http://www.os2.dhs.org/~john/hub-spacers.jpg

Just wanted to update with a new source for that tool: http://www.bicycletool.com/shimanosp...rpre-1985.aspx

I made the mistake a buying an FR-1 with the understanding that it was universal for all shimano freewheels (as I was told at the store). Not so much.
Anyway this thread helped me find the right tool and I figured i'd pass on a new link for those looking to get off a pre 1985 shimano freewheel.

also found it on ebay here: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Freewheel-Rem...item53e4bbb4a3

I am overhauling a 333 currently and cannot for the life of me remove the ball cup. Looks like I need the tool but also cannot locate one. Local bikes shops dont even have one.
Is there anyone out there willing to lend me theirs? I would send it back after this job is done or I can buy it if you are looking to get rid of it.
Dont know what else to do...

Ball cup???

Do you mean the locking cone? Pin tool is what usually works for this, or a nail and a rock, found roadside (always found quickly!).

He might be talking about a 3-speed hub, not a freewheel.

Sorry yes, the old 3 speed hub.

I probably have an extra ball cup tool. Send me a PM so I remember, and I'll go looking for one.

I still have most of these fw removers, Wonder which will get used again..?
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d4d09c04a4.jpg

damn apparently I cant send pms yet. I need to post more haha.

I don't have as many as Randy, but I do have a collection. These days, most freewheels seem to come with Shimano splines, as in the Park FR-1. The later Sachs/Maillard/WhateverFrenchSubsequentConglomerate, the IRDs, use that tool. There are some oddballs that I've never encountered like Falcon, whatever that is. Then there are some French thread freewheels that take either the Regina style splined remover or the two prong that I have. I think the two prong was originally for Caimi but it's been filed to fit two-prong Suntours as well as any other two prongers I've encountered. Four prong Suntour and the Bicycle Research Maillard tool. Sooner or later, I'll use every one. And, in any event, they could be useful tools to throw at home invaders. I spend a lot of time worrying about that. I think a chain whip might come in handy in that situation. I can see a "B" movie coming together here. A revenge flick, perhaps.