hokiefyd 

It looks like I might be the first taker on this, and I'd be honored to be the custodian of this tool until the next person needs it. I need to take apart the Thompson-Simplex bottom bracket on a Rixe folder and just haven't found the time (or tools!) to do it.

I've played in the BOC games several times and certainly agree to the rules set forth in the opening post in this thread and to foot the postage to send to the next player here.

Many thanks, cudak888 and Mad Honk for your generosity in offering this tool to the C&V community!

cudak888 

As of this post, hokiefyd is the current holder of the cotter press. Reach out to him if you need it.

Fantastic! I'll work on boxing it up and will send a USPS tracking number shortly.

Meanwhile, I'll update the thread with a Google Doc with recommendations for use.

-Kurt

wschruba

Something tells me that the photo implying that the cotter would just pop out is slightly whimsical. The last one on a bike that looked like that, it took two of us to pop the cotter out, and it was hot to the touch when it gave way. The handle on the press actually started deflecting when it happened.

And with a mighty 'crack',
the cotter smacked the floor,
and skittered away under a rack.

Not quite a limerick, but it has the spirit.

cudak888 

I kid you not, it popped exactly as you describe, without the crack. The cotter had moved a full 1/4 inch in one go when I pulled the tool off.

-Kurt

oneclick 

There are other tools that are too costly for a one(/few)-off job, but for a lot of readers they may only need it that once.

Would this be a candidate for a tool-borrow thread sticky?

I can see two arrangements and two (at least) countries in posts so far in this vein:

a) travelling tools versus send-and-return (user pays)
b) country-limit versus anywhere

And for what it's worth as a reminder and example, I have

a) metric frame blocks that I'll send-and-return anywhere (you can't have the top-tube one until that fellow in Virginia sends it back)
b) 23 and 23.35 crank pullers that I'll send-and-return up here in the Great White North

Pompiere

I thought I was going to be the second user, but I was finally able to succeed using the C-clamp and socket method, with a vibratory assist from an air operated impact hammer. I tightened the C-clamp as much as I could, then applied the impact to the top of the C-clamp. Once the cotter moved a little, I took the nut off and pressed it right out.

cudak888 

Fantastic offer. Can you post a thread for each of these? It'll help justify a subforum for loaner tools.

-Kurt

oneclick 

The block thread:
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...me-blocks.html

But my suggestion is not a sub-forum, just a thread. If there was one I'd have to it posted as above - and if it was sticky you would have noticed the blocks and pullers already.

hokiefyd 

Friends, the cotter press cudak888 sent has arrived and I'll schedule myself some time this week to put it to use. Please let me know if someone's waiting on it and I'll do my best to be prompt with it!

hokiefyd 

I was finally able to use the cotter press today...and it worked like a champ. First, the unboxing:



Ah...wait...this isn't the Box of Crap! Muscle memory...

I set it up just like in the instructions posted in the opening post. I found that the nut was actually completely stripped on the cotter...there were no threads left on the cotter, so the nut was just bottoming out against the crank arm.



So...I ended up just removing the nut and washer entirely (which took some creative wedging, along with the 11mm wrench) and pressed against the end of the cotter itself. Fortunately, it did drive right out.



This'll be an interesting bottom bracket rebuild...this Thompson-Simplex bottom bracket.

So...the crank is free and the cotter press is back in the USPS flat rate box...ready to go to the next lucky recipient! Please let me know who'd like it next. Thanks, again, to cudak888 for the generous donation of this tool to the collective good!

cudak888 

Fantastic! Looks as if it went relatively easy for you, given all the ways a cotter can become "interesting."

Thank you for sharing the pictures too. Anyone else up for a Cotter Challenge?

-Kurt

Iowa10Speed

I'll take a crack at the Cotter Challenge. I'm not sure what to expect on a 1930's and a 1950's bike . PM sent.

hokiefyd 

Iowa10Speed et al, the cotter press is in the mail and the expected delivery date is 14 Feb...an appropriate date to show those old cotters some real tough love.

Iowa10Speed

The cotter press arrived at my house yesterday . Whoever needs it next, PM me.

cudak888 

Excellent! Do make sure to post some pictures of it in use before it heads over to the next user

-Kurt

gazman22

Hello,

Opinions please. I have a Bikesmith press and really do not have a very good success rate with out for removal. Feels like 50% or so. I have a chance to buy a reasonably priced VAR press. Is there a big qualitative difference between the two? Does the VAR actually work better? Or do I just need to improve my technique?

thanks!

Gary

Mad Honk 

Gary,
The Var tool does indeed do a great job as it was purpose designed during the heyday of cottered bottom brackets. If your purchase price is sub $200 it is great buy and a good tool to have. Just ask CudaKurt how he likes the one I sent to him. Smiles, MH

albrt 

I've had very good luck with the Bikesmith press. Of course, my comparison is using a hammer.

I don't think I've destroyed a cotter since getting the Bikesmith press though.

The Golden Boy 

There have been super kind forum members that have loaned me tools thru the mail.

That type of kindness and awesomeness is not forgotten.

gazman22

Headed out before I got to read these comments. Bought the press for under $100 and then proceed to buy another $100 of tools 🙂 (including a very nice seat of steel seat tube sizers). I am a believer in tools generally being a good investment. We will see how it goes.

Thanks!

gazman22

Way ahead of me. Any tips? I have trouble getting the press to stay aligned on the cotter and then in bends at the threaded end…

albrt 

Not sure about that - I have not had a problem keeping it aligned. The end of the press without the screw has a slot that fits over the blunt end of the cotter pin, which keeps the press from moving much when you tighten it. The screw on the press has a depression in the end that fits over the threaded end of the pin, so that shouldn't move much either. Do you have an older version that lacks the slot or the depression in the end of the screw?

If the threaded end of the pin is already bent from prior abuse then it will probably bend further.

gazman22

I sometimes get the impression that the end of the press without the screw does not seat well on the crank arm, as if the crank arm is not perfectly flat. That misalignment caries through to the other end of the press. I do have the most current version.

I will continue to plug away and learn, and try the VAR press as well.

albrt 

Most of the cottered crank arms I have worked with are quite flat up at the top, so maybe that is the difference.

albrt 

I usually start with the press turned at a 90 degree angle to the frame - the crank arm is generally flat in that direction and can't move around much. Are you starting with the press aligned with the crank arm, and then it slides off the rounded end of the crank?