alecd

Just received a Shimano freewheel removal tool. I have the tool clamped on with the axle nut and washer (solid axle). After a small amount of (counterclockwise) pressure on the adjustable spanner the tool (or freewheel?!) slips / clicks. The axle is slightly bent and the locknut may be disturbing the freewheel tool. If I remove axle, will the drive side bearings fall out? Or I could just remove the drive side locknut. At the moment the tool slips well before a cheater bar or 'tool clamped in vice method' would be needed. There doesn't seem to be any damage to the tool.

dedhed

Are yo sure it's a freewheel tool and not a lock ring tool?

MudPie

Yes, I've made the mistake of accidentally using a Shimano freewheel remover instead of a Shimano cassette lockring tool. Both are 12 splined and the diameter of the freewheel remover is 22.6mm and the lockring tool is 23.4mm. The diameter difference is about 1/32nd of an inch, and is too close for the eye to see, but the wrong tool will slip.

I forgot if I was trying to remove a freewheel with a cassette lockring tool or the remove a cassette lockring with a freewheel tool.

alecd

This tool is 22.2mm in diameter (including splines). It fits pretty well with a bit of play. I'll buy the Shimano FW30 or Parktool FR-1.3.
I seem to have posted a similar thread twice. Here is the other thread - with photos: https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-m...l#post21881000

MudPie

Yeah, I've been following the other link and seems like you may've been the victim of poor quality tools. I assume that "bit of play" is enough to limit full engagement of the splines, which doesn't surprise me. I do have the Shimano freewheel removal tool (at least 30 years old) and the Park cassette lockring tool. Both are well made and you can't go wrong with these brands.

MudPie

I just measured my Shimano (I assume FW30) freewheel removal tool and the outside dimension across the flats of the spline is 22.5mm.