Can't get the cassette off!

[Easytigers]

Armed with my toolbox that I bought from Aldi a little while ago, I tried to change the cassette from my old wheel to the new one I've been given. Chain whip on...funny round tool thing slotted around the nut locking the cassette...mole grips applied to funny round tool thing ...pressure applied...hernia here I come!
I just can't move it! It's completely seized! Any ideas?
I thought about WD40 but then was worried that this might affect the bearings of the wheel.
A spoke went on the old wheel and it's completely buckled so not going any where with these wheels until I get it sorted...
Pearls of wisdom gratefully accepted!
Russ

 

[fossyant]

Bigger spanner and some help. I use a garden rake to get my fixed sprockets off.

 

[ColinJ]

Use the quick release to hold the tool in place and stop it slipping, then use a 12 inch adjustable spanner on it. If necessary, stand on the spanner!

 

[Smurfy]

Mole grips are not a good idea. What's the shape on the end of the tool. Normally these fit a metric socket. I'd use a socket and breaker bar.

 

[TheDoctor]

It shouldn't be that tight. You are turning it the right way? And are you sure it's a cassette, and not a freewheel?

 

[User6179]

Brute force

Bigger spanner and some help. I use a garden rake to get my fixed sprockets off.

another Halfords mechanic!?

 

[the_mikey]

Get a long spanner or socket set to turn the lock ring (assuming it is a locking). The locking should turn anticlockwise.

 

[Easytigers]

It shouldn't be that tight. You are turning it the right way? And are you sure it's a cassette, and not a freewheel?

Aghhh... now I'm more confused! What is the difference? If it's any help It's a Shimano R500 8 speed>

 

[Easytigers]

From some of your replies it seems that a lot of force is needed! Maybe I'm just being a wuss and need to give it some welly (with the help of a mallet?)

 

[TheDoctor]

Aghhh... now I'm more confused! What is the difference? If it's any help It's a Shimano R500 8 speed>

If it's 8 speed then it's a cassette, plus R500 wheels are cassette anyhow.
OK, you just need more force then. Get a long spanner on the lockring tool, not a molewrench, and lean hard on it. The lockring will give way quite suddenly, so keep your hands away from the cassette.
It's pointy and hurty. Don't Ask Me How I Know This.

 

[Smurfy]

From some of your replies it seems that a lot of force is needed! Maybe I'm just being a wuss and need to give it some welly (with the help of a mallet?)

My lock ring is marked 400kgfcm, which is about 40Nm. That's not a lot of torque, although the lockring is serrated/knurled, which bumps it up a bit.

If the wheel is trashed (broken spoke) by all means use a mallet, but:

1. Make sure the tool is held in with a QR skewer, because if it slips out you'll knacker it up, then it'll never come off
2. Don't use mallets on adjustable tools (mole grips, adjustable wrenches), they're not made for that kind of abuse

Like I said, best course of action is a proper socket and breaker bar. Easy peasy!

 

[boydj]

If you have access to a vise, then put the lockring tool in the vise and use the leverage of the rim with the chainwhip to loosen the lockring.

 

[solidthegreat]

As well as all the good advice above, try putting a metal pole about 18" or similar pole (Scaffold tubes are great but not everyone has them lying around the house!) put the pole over the spanner\socket wrench or whatever you are using. The additional length gives you more drive/torque and should move it, once moving take the pole off and use the tool only. Also worth spraying with WD40 or equivalent to try and penetrate the joint, but you will need to re-grease the wheel bearings afterwards, but if it get the cassette off its a small price to pay.
Good luck.

 

[albion]

WD 40 and leave it for a few hours.

Its only freewheels which really get stuck !

 

[Easytigers]

Thanks for all of the advice...I'll give it a go in a couple of hours :-)