None of the shops around here sell the removal tool. Is there a way to get one off with out wrecking it or the wheel?

No. Get the proper tool.

The shop by me charged 3 buck to remove one for me.I was going to buy the tools but theres to many different freewheels.

almost all bmx freewheels use the same remover (shimano) so for twelve bucks save yourself some grief

I had about 5 i had to get removed 3 were diff.so i payed,I think he did it for 8.00 for all.I would liked to have the tools but i run in to too many different ones.

For the most part, this one will get most standard BMX freewheels off:

http://www.parktool.com/tools/FR_6BIG.shtml

However, like azmudpuppy said, there are are few others. I'd say pick up one of these, maybe used at a discount from a shop that wants a new one, or new from where-ever. Tools are cool and you can never have too many. Just ask your wife about shoes and you'll have some common ground to bargain with.

[ November 23, 2003, 05:24 AM: Message edited by: X-it ]

O.K,here's a real down and dirty way that's worked for me.Please,NEVER do this one to anything but a daily rider,and only in an emergency!With the tire still on,take an old,cheap screwdriver(you want one with soft steel).You can use some imagination and find a better tool,one with a short 90 degree bend on the end works great.Carefully,place the tool in the notch.Brace the wheel with your legs.Tap with a light hammer,making sure tool is properly seated with each blow.If you see ANY marring of freewheel,stop immediately and find a better tool.You will probably need a softer one.After a few blows.even the tightest freewheel will come loose.

Other "I don't have the tool" method (although, as pointed out, a four-prong will get about any of 'em off):

Following assume you don't want to keep the f/w.

Put the freewheel in a vise so that the wheel is laying flat - NOT up & down - and crank the vise down on the f/w 'til it won't slip as you unscrew the wheel from the f/w (the latter being locked into the vice).

tips:

If it's been on for awhile, spray a bunch of penatrating oil in there about 15-30 mins before you vise it. Penetrating oil is your friend.

Assume the f/w will slip a couple of times while you're doing this. Crank back down on the vice and keep tuggin'.

Big vice: Good; Small vice: Annoying. If the vice isn't bolted down good, stop, bolt the vice down good, continue. (Vice grips won't hold a vice in place for this.)

Keep a broom handy, as you can spray parts everywhere as the f/w comes off - possibly - in pieces.

After you do this once or twice you'll decide you'd rather have the tool.

When you get angry, stop, walk off and do something else for awhile, and don't come back 'til you've calmed down.

quote:

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When you get angry, stop, walk off and do something else for awhile, and don't come back 'til you've calmed down.

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That sounds like something straight out of Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.