Crank Bolt Removal

So, I bought a bike and it has a square taper crank on it. Simple I thought, get the socket set out like always, only the outside of the socket is too big to fit in the recess that the crank bolt sits in. I need a socket that is smaller than normal.

Question s- if I buy a Park Tools CCW-5 Crank bolt wrench will that have a small enough outer for whatever crank I have? Has anyone had this problem and a CCW-5 is not the answer? Is there a better option?

You probably need what is referred to as a 'peanut butter' wrench, which are normally 15mm for old square taper crank bolts.

something along the lines of this will work fine i would have thought, have something similar and has worked for all my cranks has two sizes on the socket side and a pedal spanner bonus

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/acor-pedal-wrench-and-crank-bolt-socket-id21618.html

mr l - I have taken your advice and bought a double ended peanut butter wrench (14mm / 15mm). I also looked again for more photos of the park tools wrench and am 99% sure that the walls of the socket part are too thick to fit in the gap.

dicki - just seen your post... you could be right, but I've always used a normal socket set for all my cranks and never had an issue... until this set of cranks. I think Mr l is right, if you can't get a socket in there then a normal crank wrench may well not work either and 'peanut butter wrench' in your friend. I did not go for one of the campag / £100 ones on ebay.

If you already have a crank puller and only want a socket, then search for "thin walled socket".

Otherwise just pick whichever crank puller/extractor fits your budget.

The park tool socket has fitted every square taper crank bolt/crank I have tried it on. It is a slim socket which is what is needed. I mostly use the 14 or 15mm socket in the Park tool socket kit and a rachet. When you get it out fit an allen key bolt.

"If you already have a crank puller and only want a socket, then search for "thin walled socket"."

Makes sense but too late I'd already bought a cheap peanut butter wrench. £5 for a 14mm/15mm peanut butter... thin walled sockets seem to be more like £5 each, but probably much better quality.

"When you get it out fit an allen key bolt."

When I get it out I will be flogging crank and BB for the sin of not being DA, and replacing it with yer proper, top-notch Japanese shit to match seatpost, stem and bars! Besides when I do get it out I will have the tool to do so, making the fact I didn't have the tool in the first place a redundent issue!

The park tool socket has fitted every square taper crank bolt/crank I have tried it on.

So has my cheapo socket set... up til this SR Track crank

I use a box spanner. It's cheap and crappy but has it's uses.

15mm for Campag and 14mm for Shimano and Suntour..