stripping a frame

[SWSteve]

So, I have a frame which is damaged, and I replaced this with a whole new bike courtesy of an insurance payout last year. However, the old, damaged, frame is laid on the floor of my room doing nothing, and as a result I would like to recoup some funds and use the parts on the bike.

Here is my issue, I have never stripped a bike before, how difficult is it to remove things like shifters/brakes/mechs? Do I need special tools, or will a set of alan/hex keys suffice? I'll be making a start soon when the weather drys up so I can use my garden, but I'm looking for a little help

Thanks

 

[Nigeyy]

OK, I'll give it a go:

-if it's an older bike with a threaded head set, you'll need some headset spanners (which will probably have to have a thin profile, so they are a bit of a specialist tool). Otherwise if it's a threadless headset, it's usually just allen key to undo it.

-if you want to remove the headset races, you will need a specialist tool (but it's dirt easy to make your own, just google "home made headset removal tool")

-chain -you'll need a chain link extractor (but don't forget to check to see if you have a removable link first!).

-depending on what your bike has, you'll need a special freewheel or cassette removal tool. No getting around that. On the bright side, you can make your own chain whip quite easily with an old chain (again google).

-for the crank, you'll probably need a crank extractor -again a specialist tool. Some people advocate just riding without retaining bolts until it loosens up and you can take it off, but I just don't like the idea of that (and that's not to say it doesn't work either).

-for the bottom bracket, again you'll need a specialist tool.

I assume you're happy with not dismantling the wheels and hubs..... Anything else you can remove with what I call "regular" tools -e.g. screwdriver with different bits, set of allen keys, adjustable spanner, etc. It's also really handy to have a big adjustable spanner and cable cutters too (just makes it easier I think). Pretty much anything but the cassette/freewheel, headset and crank and bottom bracket don't require any special kind of tools.

Anyway, I really recommend you do this; it will teach you how to take stuff apart -and of course you can always reassemble as well. If you do buy tools, buy quality; they'll make the job easier and will last you a lifetime. You can end up doing a lot of stuff your bike shop used to..... good luck!

p.s. Oh and don't forget the plastic thingmajig cable guide on the bottom of your bottom bracket -when you need one, you'll need one and it's handy to have a spare. Usually very easy to remove with an allen key!
p.p.s. if you are like me, I cut up the frame and use the tubes for extra leverage for mechanicking.

 

[Trull]

I can recommend getting a can of Halfords "Shock and unlock" which is an incredibly light penetrating oil. Used in combination with a wee gas blowlamp to heat up an stubborn bolt and then shock freeze it to unlock it with a spray. As you have time before attempting this job, now is a good time to spray all the bolts with penetrating oil to allow it to creep into any potentially stuck ones.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_274625_langId_-1_categoryId_165594
Also, invest in decent tools, and don't be afraid to ask your LBS to strip it - 30quid to get it done safes staved fingers, damaged gear and hurt!

 

[Globalti]

Penetrating oil doesn't work until you've moved the part and broken the bond.

The best way to free stuck bolts is to whack them on the head. It breaks the bond.

 

[alicat]

Are you planning to sell the parts or just use them as spares as and when you need them?

If the former, I would be tempted to sell it as is for parts and if the latter I would remove the parts as I needed them. It's less daunting to remove one part than strip a whole bike especially since you then create the challenge of working out what goes with what.