{"id":66711,"date":"2024-07-11T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cbf4ae06-11ec-49e3-a339-65311e36638d"},"modified":"2024-07-11T16:25:31","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T14:25:31","slug":"torque-about-tools-a-fuss-free-cannondale-crank-remover-a-decadent-thru-axle-thread-pitch-gauge-and-more","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/torque-about-tools-a-fuss-free-cannondale-crank-remover-a-decadent-thru-axle-thread-pitch-gauge-and-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Torque About Tools | A fuss-free Cannondale crank remover, a decadent thru-axle thread pitch gauge\u00a0and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

New releases from Park Tool and Feedback, plus a nifty take on the conventional chain whip <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 11 July 2024 at 14:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Welcome to the second edition of Torque About Tools for 2024 \u2013 you best get comfortable because there are 13 tools to take you through in this installment.\u00a0<\/p>

There\u2019s a real mix of tools this time \u2013 from simple \u2018why didn\u2019t I think of that?\u2019 add-ons to the customary tool exotica.\u00a0<\/p>

And because the underside of my desk is a tool jungle, I promise it won\u2019t be as long until the next instalment.\u00a0<\/p>

Elegant solutions from BSC Tools<\/h2>
Steven Gunthorpe is the one-man band behind BSC Tools. Based in Wales, the brand has quickly garnered a following among many British workshops. Its tools are easily identifiable by their typically orange anodising.\u00a0<\/p>

BSC Pro Cannondale Hollowgram SiSL \/ SiSL2 Crank Removal Extraction Tool\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>
A sizeable tool for a big job. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a345.83\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>
Although Cannondale has now largely phased out the use of its own SiSL and SiSL2 cranks on its bikes, there are still plenty of them out on the roads. They remain popular among weight weenies too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
I wouldn\u2019t count myself as a fan, however \u2013\u00a0a piece of my soul withered away each time I had to remove one back in my workshop days.\u00a0<\/p>
Replacing a Cannondale crankset is quite different from other brands.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"chainset$
They may be light, but they’re not fun to work on. – Warren Rossiter\/Immediate media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
You first undo and fully remove the 10mm hex bolt end cap on the non-driveside crankarm, making sure not to lose the washer on the threads.\u00a0<\/p>
If you\u2019re using Cannondale\u2019s own KT013 tool, you thread the 8mm attachment until it\u2019s flush with the end of the threaded section of the crankarm. You then thread the extraction cap by hand and loosen until the crankarm slides off the spindle.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"BSC$
The two pieces of the puzzle. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
However, the main hex bolt and the threaded section required tons of force to undo.\u00a0<\/p>
Enduro Bearings\u2019 CT-008 made the process significantly more tolerable because it incorporated a large handle.\u00a0<\/p>
But the handle was very thin and you\u2019d still need the force of He-Man to undo it. I often resorted to putting a crown race setter over the top for particularly stubborn cranks.\u00a0<\/p>
BSC reckons its tool is the magic solution, also incorporating a handle but one that\u2019s more ergonomic.\u00a0<\/p>
BSC Pro Dummy Pedal\u00a0<\/h3>
$\"BSC$
BSC has really nailed it with this tool. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a345.83\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>
A dummy pedal is very useful when assembling new bikes, particularly for adjusting and indexing gears<\/a> \u2013 you don\u2019t want to catch your fingers in the chainrings.\u00a0<\/p>
Offerings from brands such as Park Tool and Enduro Bearings dominate most workshops, but this one from BSC is an altogether more premium option.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"BSC$
A dummy pedal simplifies setting up the gears on new bike builds. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
BSC\u2019s CNC-machined aluminium handle spins effortlessly on two ABEC-5 double-sealed bearings. The handle is nice and long at 95mm and I\u2019ve been using it to check over test bikes in the last couple of months \u2013 it has quickly become a favourite.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
BSC DAG Extension\u00a0<\/h3>
$\"BSC$
This one is more useful than meets the eye. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a310.99\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>
Many older derailleur hanger alignment tools lack the clearance for some modern dropouts, such as the SRAM UDH<\/a>. BSC\u2019s DAG Extension is a perhaps unexciting but exceptionally useful 30mm extension that threads onto the end of a tool.<\/p>
$\"BSC$
The DAG Extension will help you clear certain dropouts. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The DAG Extension is also compatible with lever setter tools. This is useful for particularly low stems, where you may lack sufficient clearance without the extension.\u00a0<\/p>
Kudos to BSC for making a product that breathes new life into an old tool.\u00a0<\/p>
Three new pliers from Feedback<\/h2>
$\"New$
Three new tools from Feedback. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
American brand Feedback has been busy, with three new plier tools introduced earlier this spring to add to its ever-growing range.<\/p>
The Mini Diagonal Cutters are designed to ensure sharp cuts, predominantly on zip ties, but can also be used to crimp cable end caps.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"New$
The pliers and diagonal cutters have a nice, ergonomic handle. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Mini Diagonal Cutter and Mini Needle Nose Plier incorporate an ergonomic rubber handle for comfort. The jaws of both tools are knurled to hold items securely.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"New$
Look familiar? – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Adjustable Pliers Wrench is Feedback\u2019s answer to the popular Knipex Cobra Pliers.\u00a0<\/p>
The Cobra pliers are my gold standard and, for most bicycle-related jobs, perform the same function as an entire set of spanners, making them ideal for the travelling mechanic.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"New$
The Feedback pictured next to Knipex’s Mini Wrench Pliers offering. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Feedback\u2019s tool can grip up to a 35mm nut and features a forged steel body.\u00a0<\/p>
The handles on the Adjustable Pliers Wrench aren\u2019t quite as substantial as the Mini Diagonal Cutter and Mini Needle Nose Plier, with Feedback using a double-dipped rubber grip.\u00a0<\/p>
Feedback Mini Diagonal Cutters \u2013 \u00a332 \/ $30 \/ \u20ac38<\/li>
Feedback Mini Needle Nose Plier \u2013 \u00a332 \/ $30 \/ \u20ac38<\/li>
Feedback Adjustable Pliers Wrench \u2013 \u00a360 \/ $55 \/ \u20ac70<\/li><\/ul>
SteinTool HyperHandle Cassette Holding Tool 10-11-12\u00a0<\/h2>
$\"Hyperhandle$
SteinTool is based in Prescott, Arizona. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
$60\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>
SteinTool\u2019s HyperHandle Cassette Holding Tool is an interesting take on the conventional chain whip.\u00a0<\/p>
With a similar \u2013 but more luxurious\u00a0 \u2013 design to the Unior Cassette Wrench 1670\/2BI, the tool uses a set of three 4mm hex bolts, rather than a length of chain, to grip onto the smallest cassette cog.<\/p>
There\u2019s an opening in the middle of the handle for a cassette lockring tool to slot inside.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Hyperhandle$
Simply thread the bolts into the correct shapes for your starting cog. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
One side of the handle is for 11t cogs, the other is for 10 or 12t cogs.<\/p>
SteinTool makes other variants of this tool for 10\/11 and 11\/12t starting cogs, with options starting from $35. A 9t option for Campagnolo Ekar groupsets is not currently available.<\/p>
$\"Hyperhandle$
That real oak handle seals the deal for me. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The icing on the cake is a real oak handle.<\/p>
I\u2019ve used this tool to replace cassettes<\/a> on a couple of wheelsets and have been impressed by its efficiency. The oak handle makes for a comfortable grip too.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Hyperhandle$
It’s a solid alternative to a conventional chain whip. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
However, I wish the hole in the middle was a little larger so my favourite Abbey Crombie lockring tool would fully fit through.<\/p>
New releases from Park Tool\u00a0<\/h2>
$\"Park$
Park Tool has updated its tape measure with new thumb locks. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Park Tool has been quietly updating some of its workshop staples, with Jack Luke and Stan Portus spotting them earlier in the year at iceBike<\/a>, UK distributor Madison\u2019s annual trade show.\u00a0<\/p>
The RR-12.2 tape measure is a modest improvement over the RR-12, still extending up to 3.5m \/ 12ft.<\/p>
It introduces a revised thumb lock function and a quick stop button at the base of the tape measure. I\u2019ve found the thumb lock to be greatly improved over its predecessor.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Park$
The DC-2 Digital Caliper is a nice update. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Digital Caliper DC-2 is ostensibly identical to the DC-1 in terms of its measurement capabilities. However, the all-metal construction of the display over the plastic used on the outgoing model makes it a worthwhile upgrade.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Park$
The EP-1 rounds out the releases. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Finally, the EP-1 End Cap Crimping Pliers are a new addition to Park Tool\u2019s portfolio. They are specifically designed for crimping cable end caps to achieve a professional finish.\u00a0<\/p>
Typically, a crimping function is incorporated into a cable cutter or a plier, as seen on Feedback\u2019s Mini Nose Needle Pliers.\u00a0<\/p>
Park Tool RR-12.2 \u2013 \u00a36.99 \/ $9\u00a0<\/li>
Park Tool Digital Caliper DC-2 \u2013 \u00a364.99 \/ $70.95<\/li>
Park Tool End Cap Crimping Pliers EP-1 \u2013 \u00a334.99 \/ $29.95\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>
Prestacycle TorqRatchet GO \u2013 Portable 3-12Nm Torque Multi-Tool Ratchet\u00a0<\/h2>
$\"Prestacycle$
A new compact torque ratchet from Prestacycle. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a356 \/ $59 \/ \u20ac54<\/li><\/ul>
Launched last week, Prestacycle\u2019s new TorqRatchet GO is a ratcheting multi-tool designed for carrying on rides that incorporates a beam-style torque wrench.\u00a0<\/p>
Prestacycle primarily produces torque wrenches<\/a> or ratcheting multi-tools for other brands. The Ritchey TorqKey, for example, is a rebranded Prestacycle product.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Prestacycle$
A trio of torque options. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The TorqRatchet GO sits alongside the TorqRatchet Pro and TorqRatchet Elite, but with a wider 3-12Nm range (the Pro and Elite are 2-10Nm). That\u2019s a more useful range, because it now means you can tighten Shimano crank pinch bolts, which are rated to 12-15Nm.\u00a0<\/p>
All of Prestacycle\u2019s torque options use 1\/4in bits.\u00a0<\/p>
On the TorqRatchet GO, a slim alloy handle is paired with a hardened steel head, with a reversible ratchet with a thumb wheel integrated into it.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Prestacycle$
There’s a reversible ratchet head. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Prestacycle says the TorqRatchet GO is 8 per cent smaller than the TorqRatchet Pro. Aside from the increased torque range, it\u2019s ostensibly the same product.\u00a0<\/p>
Despite the 12Nm maximum torque, Prestacycle says the tool can withstand up to 60Nm of force and you can even use it to remove and install pedals.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Prestacycle$
Follow the white scale to your desired torque. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
To use the torque function, press with one finger on the end knob and observe the white indicator against the scale.\u00a0<\/p>
The new tool is 123mm long and comes in at 66g.<\/p>
$\"Prestacycle$
Like so… – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Although I prefer to carry a multi-tool<\/a>, I\u2019ll often take on-the-bike torque options whenever I\u2019m shaking down a new bike. My preferred option is my beloved Silca Ti-Torque and T-Ratchet.\u00a0<\/p>
I\u2019ve also recently been carrying the Feedback Range Click Torque Wrench outside of its case for a test bike with a wanting stem design, because it has a slightly wider torque range.\u00a0<\/p>
Comparing the three tools, the TorqRatchet GO is slimmer and lighter than the others, so I\u2019ll be interested to see how it fares.\u00a0<\/p>
<\/div>
Topeak Torq Stick Pro 4-20Nm<\/h2>
$\"Topeak$
A torque wrench and an extensive ratchet set all in one. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3159.99 \/ \u20ac179.95\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>
This comprehensive set from Topeak incorporates a torque wrench and a ratchet that can be configured in multiple ways to ease the job at hand.\u00a0<\/p>
Starting with the torque wrench, the Torq Stick has a wide 4 to 20Nm range. This means it\u2019ll cover almost everything on your bike.<\/p>
$\"Topeak$
A closer look at the star of the show. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
It has a satisfying long handle and the adjustment dial is easy to use, enabling you to set the torque in 0.5Nm increments. There\u2019s nothing more frustrating than having to guess you\u2019ve set a torque wrench correctly if its indicator window is unclear.\u00a0<\/p>
Although the torque wrench has a definitive click when you\u2019ve reached your desired measurement, it\u2019s not as noticeable as the Feedback Range Click<\/a>, Park Tool TW-5.2 or Effetto Mariposa Giustaforza<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Topeak$
The dial is nice and straightforward to use. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Topeak says the torque wrench is accurate to +\/- 4 per cent and recommends recalibrating it after 5,000 cycles.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"Topeak$
The Finger Bit Holder is great for adjusting bottle cage bolts. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Moving away from the torque wrench, there\u2019s a ratchet tool and even a Finger Bit Holder and Speed Sleeve Bit Holder for getting into tighter spaces (this is useful for bottle cages).\u00a0<\/p>
The 1\/4in bits are all in a flip-up organiser so you can easily access them, and the 4, 5 and 6mm bits are colour-coded for easy identification.\u00a0<\/p>
The included bits are as follows:\u00a0<\/p>
1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10mm hex<\/li>
T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25 and T30 Torx<\/li><\/ul>
<\/div>
WheelsMFG Axle Ruler Pro\u00a0<\/h2>
$\"WheelsMFG$
A workshop necessity or a luxury? – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\u00a3139.99 \/ $122.99\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>
Ever needed to replace a thru-axle and found it an absolute headache to buy the correct thread pitch?\u00a0<\/p>
Well, gone are the days of conventional rulers and counting the number of threads per centimetre, because Wheels Manufacturing has brought out this (rather extravagant) ruler.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"WheelsMFG$
You can use the tool to measure thru-axle length. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Crafted from 6061 aluminium (and in red, of course), the Axle Ruler Pro incorporates a 280mm ruler, with units in both inches and millimetres.\u00a0<\/p>
On its side is a collection of 13 different female and male thread gauges you can offer up to your thru-axle to see if the thread matches. If you want to be doubly sure it\u2019s correct, you can thread the gauge into the exposed thru-axle insert.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"WheelsMFG$
A closer look at those gauges. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The included male and female thread gauges are as follows:\u00a0<\/p>
M9 x 1, M9 x 26, 3\/8in x 24, 3\/8in x 26, M10 x 1, M10 x 26, M12 x 1, M12 x 1.25, M12 x 1.5, M12 x 1.75, M14 x 1.5, M15 x 1, M15 x 1.5\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>
There\u2019s even a slot at the top of the tool if you want to hang it on a peg board.\u00a0<\/p>
$\"WheelsMFG$
You can confirm you’ve identified the correct thread pitch by installing the gauge into the dropout. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>
While a decadent purchase for the home mechanic, I foresee this tool being popular with busy workshops where they want to save time double-guessing any measurements.\u00a0<\/p>
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Elegant solutions from BSC Tools<\/h2>Steven Gunthorpe is the one-man band behind BSC Tools. Based in Wales, the brand has quickly garnered a following among many British workshops. Its tools are easily identifiable by their typically orange anodising.\u00a0<\/p>

Elegant solutions from BSC Tools<\/h2>
Steven Gunthorpe is the one-man band behind BSC Tools. Based in Wales, the brand has quickly garnered a following among many British workshops. Its tools are easily identifiable by their typically orange anodising.\u00a0<\/p>