Cannot remove the cassette even with the right tools

[wildeny]

I have the tools and books to check the instruction of how to remove the cassette. I also checked BicyleTutor.com before I tried. But with all my effort, I just couldn't unlock it.

I need to use my left hand to turn the wrench counterclockwise, but I just can't apply enough force (torque) with my left hand. I asked my male cycling friend, who said it shouldn't be difficult to remove the cassette. Is it just me?

[lph]

If the locking ring is very tight, you need to have a good (small) angle between the chainwhip and the wrench, I think maybe 30 degrees or so is good to give good torque. A longer wrench will help.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on getting an angle that lets you put maximum torque on both tools. 30° sounds reasonable, or maybe a little wider to let you get your hands where they need to be. Experiment with the chain whip in several different positions relative to the wrench/socket handle.

How long of a handle are you putting on the lockring tool? Try a breaker bar of at least 12", longer if you have one, or your longest all-sixteenths (adjustable wrench).




And, tangentially, one inch for the Park Tool Shimano cassette tool? WTF is up with one inch when ALL the other parts and tools are metric? Are other brands, or Park Campy cassette tools, also one inch? Like, I had a bunch of SAE tools from when I used to ride a Harley... and the fasteners on the garden tractor are SAE as well... I had 1-1/4", 1-1/8," 15/16", but I never, ever had a call for a one inch socket. The first cassette I replaced I was able to make do putting a deep well 27 mm air-wrench socket on my torque wrench - definitely not an ideal situation.

[Becky]

+1 for the leverage recommendation. We have a massive pair of vice-grips that get pressed into service for tricky cassette removals.

Also, does your cassette tool have the little "guidepost" or does it have a hole in the center? If it has the hole, using your QR to hold the cassette tool in place can help keep everything together and allow you to torque on it a little more.

Good luck!

[wildeny]

Thanks for the tips.
My cassette remover does have a "guidepost".

The handle I used is only 20 cm long (7.87"). I better get a longer one.
I check that the max torque to lock the cassette is 40Nm. Based on my calculation, it means that I need to apply 200N force (~ 20.4 kg weight!)

[idropboys]

Thanks for the tips.
My cassette remover does have a "guidepost".

The handle I used is only 20 cm long (7.87"). I better get a longer one.
I check that the max torque to lock the cassette is 40Nm. Based on my calculation, it means that I need to apply 200N force (~ 20.4 kg weight!)

Definitely get the big handle - mine is massive and allows the force to unlock it

[Cataboo]

Thanks for the tips.
My cassette remover does have a "guidepost".

The handle I used is only 20 cm long (7.87"). I better get a longer one.
I check that the max torque to lock the cassette is 40Nm. Based on my calculation, it means that I need to apply 200N force (~ 20.4 kg weight!)

If you've got a metal pipe, you can slip it over the end of your handle to get more leverage.