How generic are crank extractors?

[Chris S]

I occasionally get a squeak while pedalling my 1990 Raleigh Chiltern. Squirting some oil down the BB drainage hole temporarily cures the problem. I was thinking of inspecting the bearings and possibly greasing them.

There are a number of cheap crank extractors on ebay (I won't be doing this very often) but their thread size isn't specified. Do most cranks have the same thread size?

 

[Yellow Saddle]

For square taper cranks they are all the same. Some can even be adapted for ISIS and Octalink cranks.

 

[mjr]

Most, as far as I've seen. I think the big change is the various proprietary systems but they look strange. Good luck!

 

[Tim Hall]

For square taper cranks they are all the same. Some can even be adapted for ISIS and Octalink cranks.

Except if you have a old Stronglight chainset (23.5mm I think). Some TA chainsets were an odd size too.

 

[Poacher]

ISTR that Zeus were a bit different too, but it was a long time ago! Unlikely to be a problem!

 

[Gippy]

Unless it has been adapted at some time in the past it is likely that a 1990 Chiltern has cottered cranks.

 

[Smokin Joe]

ISTR that Zeus were a bit different too, but it was a long time ago! Unlikely to be a problem!

I wonder if any Zeus kit still exists? They were exact Campag copies ISTR, popular with those who couldn't afford the real thing.

 

[tyred]

Unless it has been adapted at some time in the past it is likely that a 1990 Chiltern has cottered cranks.

It would have been square taper by 1990. I'd be genuinely shocked if it wasn't.

And by 1990, I think Stronglight had joined the rest of the world so even if they are Stronglight cranks, they should be the normal thread.

There is the other method to use if you don't have the right tool or the threads are stripped - undo the nuts/studs slightly and ride up a hill standing on the pedals in a high gear until you hear a crack. Proceed slowly home and then remove nut and pull crank off.

 

[Gippy]

It would have been square taper by 1990. I'd be genuinely shocked if it wasn't.

Take a seat and prepare yourself....http://veterancycleclublibrary.org.uk/ncl/pics/Raleigh catalogue 1990 Mens Bikes (V-CC Library).pdf scroll down to page 15.

 

[further]

I have a Raleigh Chiltern,it has cottered cranks,good luck getting them out.

 

[simongt]

A tip from experience. As crank extractors have a very fine thread, keep said threads very clean and well lubed with a light grease. Oh and make certain that you screw the extractor ALL THE WAY in otherwise you may risk stripping the threads on the cranks - !