I've never owned a freewheel tool. I've always found ways to get them off. But last night I encountered an especially stingy one, so I think I need a tool. Do I need to buy one specifically for the brand of freewheel I have or is there a universal one that will work on Shimano, suntour, ACS, etc. ??

There are at least two different sizes.

there pretty cheap, under 10 bucks, I got mine from Dans a while back...

There is a different tool for the ACS freewheels, but the tool that I have works on Suntour, and Shimano freewheels. Buy the tool bro, it will make life way easier.

And make sure you get a really long wrench or freewheel remover specific wrench. I nearly broke my hand trying to get my freewheel off using what I thought was a pretty big wrench but just couldn't get the tork needed. It kept slipping off and I kept nearly punching the concrete floor at full force. I finally gave up and took it into the bike shop thinking it was just stuck. The tech there grabbed this freewheel remover specific wrench that was like three feet long and it just popped off super easy. I had spent like two hours trying to get that damned thing off and he did it in less that 30 seconds

never mind the wrench...... put it in a vice

Yup, tool goes in the vice with the axle nut just snugged up to the tool (to keep it in place). Then just turn your wheel counterclockwise and break it loose. Take it out of the vice, remove the axle nut, and spin it off with the tool.

10# sledge

If that don't work......there is always a TORCH ...the all purpose wrench LOL

Hot wrench, yeah, buddy

OK... what if the wheel is not built up? All I have is a hub with a stuck freewheel. How can I get the leverage?

do you need the hub paul? if you do...... have fun!

RL,
The LBS at that german-chateau-looking center in Herndon had old school-style freewheel tools.

Let it soak in PB blaster over a couple nights, bolt on the tool, apply force.

RL Paulie If its not laced your kinda screwed. although I have talked to a few guys that have gotten them off unlaced it will take a strap wrench rubber or leather but the rubber one bites better or you could lace it on non freewheel side and do it that way. thats how I would do it . put the freewheel tool on and put the axle nut on loosely after the tool just tight enough to keep it on. turn the rim over and insert the tool into a vise and turn the wheel with the strength of the bear . LOL good luck. Sk

I use a air impact tool.

RL Paulie---I had to do what standardracer said on a wheel. It's a pain, but you basically have to get it fairly well relaced or else it'll torque too much when you're trying to loosen the freewheel.

Wait!! You don't necessarily need to lace a wheel or destroy the hub to do this!
I had a separate GT hub with a stuck freewheel on it. I mounted it to a wooden vice (a.k.a. carpenter's work bench) with big 'ol wooden jaws on it. They'll hold the hub firmly in place and let you remove the freewheel without destroying the hub. Atleast it worked for me, worth trying in my opinion.

Here's a pic. I used the very same bench while i was building the 95's.


-Timo

[ January 09, 2007, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: 2FRESH ]

Thanks for all the advice but it doesn't sound like it's worth the effort. Anyone want a 1987 dated ACS hub with seized suntour 16T freewheel?

what color hub? high or low flange?

Low flange, raw alloy, 36 spokes.

SERACING, is dead on , i purchased a set of cook bros hubs and son lites, both with the freewheel froze/attached and the impact took it right off...its easiest with two people--one holds the center of hub/both hands/rag protecting freewheel/freewheel up...the other person holds the impact n the socket/tool in place...that way he can tell when it breaks and STOP! no need to keep pulling trigger-screw it off by hand..gonna try n post a pic or two...

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s253/cl...y/Mvc-067s1.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s253/cl...murphy/a6_1.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s253/cl...SCN13380001.jpg

now someone teach me how to post the pic straight to the thread/no link-- im such a non computer savvy guy

sorry, rag protecting bottom of hub/not freewheel

ok coasty, how did ya do that?

thanks 2fresh, i think i got it