Originally Posted by
bike_forum_geek
hi there forum-ers. I'm working on a Specialized HotRock kids bike. The crank arms had some wobble. When I tried to loosen the lock ring with my Park tool HCW5, the tool tooth is too big for this lock ring notch. See image. I used a hammer and dull nosed chisel to loosen it. That's not optimal. I checked my LBS they have about 10 lock ring wrenches. What do home mechanics use for odd sized lock ring notches? Can you measure the notch and get a suitable wrench? I don't see measurements on lock ring wrenches. How are you supposed to decide on which one(s) to buy? TIA
Ashtabula crank, the grooved part is the adjusting cone and has a left handed thread, the normal way to turn it is with a flat blade screwdriver, it's only hand tight until you tighten the lock nut against it. As for notched lock rings, if they don't fit any of my hooked or peg spanners or slip joint pliers then a hammer and screwdriver, punch or cold chisel, or occasionally make a tool from random scrap.