Once bitten twice shy

[alicat]

Are all ISIS bottom bracket tools the same?

I have a FSA ISIS bottom bracket on my Pearson Touche. The Shimano cartridge bottom bracket tool in my toolbox looks like it should fit but it won't clear the crank spindles.

I imagine any ISIS bottom bracket tool will fit but would appreciate confirmation - since I now have an impressive array of bottom bracket tools that don't fit this particular bottom bracket...

Thanks in anticipation

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

The 20 spline fit should be standard, but you need a tool that will clear the oversized (compared to square tapered) isis spindle. There are different types of tools, I would recommend one more like the one on the right below rather than the one on the left, because a) it allows you to use a qr skewer/crank bolt + washer to stop the tool slipping when you use it, and b) the closer the spanner/lever is to the bb the less out-of-plane bending.

 

[alicat]

Thanks, RecordAce.

Please could you say a little more about what you mean about using a qr skewer/crank bolt + washer?

I get the point about less out of plane bending but the one at the bottom looks like it will take a 32mm wrench only. The only one of those that I have is a socket wrench that was a bit of a nightmare to use with my Shimano bottom bracket tool.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Please could you say a little more about what you mean about using a qr skewer/crank bolt + washer?

Sure. I use a large adjustable spanner, and given the splines are only a couple of mm deep, it is good practice to use a skewer or bolt to avoid slippage like below.

 

[alicat]

Great - thank you.

That makes sense now.

 

[alicat]

Thanks for the advice, RecordAce.

I used one of these. £5.99 from SJS cycles. I had to buy a 24mm ring spanner, which enabled me to clamp the tool and apply maximum force ie stand on the spanner. I started with an adjustable spanner but that just slipped.

I was impressed with the quality of the Super B tool. I think Condor may use them for some of their own brand tools.