Bottom Bracket Tools Review

Some of us just want to climb on our bikes, ride them for a while and then put them away. Other bike riders know that part of any bike experience is the fact that your bike needs regular maintenance to keep it in good shape. Once in a while, you may also have to do a more serious repair. Bikes have many specialized parts that require special tools. This is similar to cars or any other hobby that requires specific tools to get the job done. If you find yourself needing to replace your bike’s bottom bracket or you are installing an aftermarket unit, you are going to need some special tools for the job or multitools as made by Lezyne tools. In this case count on Park Tools or Shimano tools for specialized tools that will meet your every need.

What It’s For

Generally, specialized bike tools are needed to remove and replace the bottom bracket on most bikes. The first tool you need is a hex key set to remove the crank arms. Some cheaper bikes just have a nut and threaded bolt, so use a socket set to remove the crank arm. Next you’ll need a crank puller to remove the crank off of the spindle without damaging the bottom bracket. Now you will need a bottom bracket tool that will be used on the teeth on the lock ring side of the bracket, which is usually the left side, while a 32mm wrench is applied to the other side of the cartridge. Unscrew the bottom bracket. One side is the lock ring side and the other is the cartridge side that contains all the other bottom bracket parts within it. Now remove the lock ring with the same bottom bracket tool you have been using. You may need solvent in order to loosen it up. Remove the bottom bracket. You may have to lightly tap it out with a hammer. That’s it, you’re done!

Some older bikes that are cheaply made may not need specialized tools at all. Every bike is different. Take your bike to the bike shop and they can help you get the right tools to remove and install your bottom bracket. If you don’t feel comfortable doing the job, let a bike mechanic do it for you. Good bike shops will sell tool kits that offer all the tools that one would normally need for bike repair and maintenance. These kits cost less than buying several individual tools and are worth it in the end because they have everything you need.  A Pedro's bike tool kit would supply all the tools you would need to do most of your repairs. 

Major Manufacturers

Park, Shimano, Ice Toolz, Park Pro.

Pricing

Prices on bottom bracket tools can range from $6.99 for a lock ring tool to almost $30 for a bottom bracket tool.