Do I need a cone wrench?

In order to get into those hard-to-reach slots on hub axle cones you are going to need a good set of cone wrenches. This becomes especially useful when working on rear hubs that have little to no gap between the axle cone and the locknut.

What are bike cone wrenches used for?

A cone wrench or cone spanner is a tool used in bicycle assembly and maintenance to adjust the cones of cup and cone bearings. Cone wrenches are thinner and lighter than most other open ended wrenches that are used to work on bicycles.

What can I use instead of a cone spanner?

In most cases, a standard open-end or adjustable wrench can be used for cone locknuts, but the cones themselves can be adjusted only with a cone wrench, because of narrow flats and close clearances. Cone wrenches usually come in 13 x 14-millimeter, 15 x 16-millimeter, and 17 x 18-millimeter sizes.

What is a bicycle cone?

The vast majority of bicycle wheels use a type of hub known as “cup and cone”, as shown on the right above. The cups are built into the shell of the hub; the cones are conical nuts that screw onto the axle. Steel balls roll between these two parts.

Which cone wrench do I need?

13mm is the standard for cones on Shimano and Formula front hubs. 15mm is the standard for cones on Shimano and Formula rear hubs. 17mm is the standard lock nuts on front and rear Shimano and Formula hubs, only the high end (XT/XTR) need a 17mm cone wrench, most can actually use a 17mm combo wrench.

What size wrench do I need for a bike tire?

Take a 15mm wrench to the axle nuts and turn it counterclockwise to loosen them.

How many types of wrenches are there?

24 Types of Wrenches

• Combination Wrench.
• Open-Ended Wrench.
• Ratcheting Wrench.
• Adjustable Wrench.
• Pipe Wrench.
• Allen Wrench/Hex Key.
• Torx Wrench.
• 8. Box Wrench.

What is a tappet wrench?

: a wrench with an open-end jaw at each end of a long thin handle.

What is a pedal spanner?

The LifeLine Pedal Spanner is an enrty level pedal spanner designed for the once a year pedal change or service. The LifeLine Pedal Spanner has a 15mm end opening and will fit most pedals. The LifeLine Pedal Spanner is an enrty level pedal spanner designed for the once a year pedal change or service.

How tight should bike cones be?

For quick-release type hubs, snug the cone down until it contacts the ball bearings, and turn back counter-clockwise one quarter turn (90 degrees). This will purposely make the bearing adjustment too loose. Hold cone with cone wrench and tighten locknut fully.

How do I know if my bike bearings are bad?

Worn out or dry bearings will feel rough, metallic and dry. Sometimes they’re so dry that if you pull your finger fast across the axle you can make the axle keep spinning because there’s no grease inside the bearings to slow it down.