Removing a crank without a puller - possible?

[veggieburger]

Does anyone have any tips on how to remove a 7 speed crank from a square taper Shimano BB without the use of a puller? Your assistance is appreciated!

[oldpotatoe]

Does anyone have any tips on how to remove a 7 speed crank from a square taper Shimano BB without the use of a puller? Your assistance is appreciated!

http://www.amazon.com/Joint-Separator-Pickle-KTI71502-Category/dp/B000BHNZRM/ref=sr_1_22?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1267629625&sr=1-22

[goonster]

Does anyone have any tips on how to remove a 7 speed crank from a square taper Shimano BB without the use of a puller?
Did you strip the extractor threads? The pickle fork is a good start, and you can also try a steering wheel puller before you reach for the saw.

[pbjbike]

VAR made a tool for doing this operation. A LBS that's been around a while should have one.

[eddief]

this is probably a good inexpensive investment.

[c-record]

Yep, VAR tool is good. United Bicycle Tool in Oregon has the best selection of stuff like this. Your shop can order you one. They may even want one for themselves.

[gdw]

If you're dealing with an old cup and cone style bb, here's a shade tree solution. Remove the opposite side crankarm, bottom bracket cup, and bearings. Find a tool large enough to fit over the end of the bb spindle on the stuck side without contacting the crankarm or sliding into the spindel - an 8mm allen key works great. Push the stuck crankarm flat against the remaining cup*, place the key onto the spindle, and lightly hit the key with a hammer. The impact will drive the spindle away from the crankarm and free it. You might have to whack it a few times with a bit more force but it will come off.

*If it's aluminum, you can place a cardboard shim between the crankarm and cup to protect the cup from damage.

[Richard]

Take out the bolt. Ride around the block for an hour it will loosen unless it is "self welded" on.

[AndrewS]

I like Richard's idea. Brilliant! :)

Otherwise, depending on the cup and bearing relationship, you may be able to use a stack of washers and some tubing so the spindle's opposite side crank bolt could pull the spindle away from the stuck crank from the inside. You tighten the bolt and the stuck crank pushes against its cup until the spindle moves far enough into the BB shell.