[CR]Re: Aligning cottered crank arms

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2007)

From: "Aldo Ross" <aldoross4@siscom.net>
To: "ternst" <ternst1@cox.net>, "Bob Freitas" <freitas1@pacbell.net>, "CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <45BCFB3C.5090601@pacbell.net> <001c01c74316$f3eee650$0200a8c0@D8XCLL51>
Date: Sun, 28 Jan 2007 15:36:43 -0500
reply-type=response
Subject: [CR]Re: Aligning cottered crank arms

Hi Ted et al,

One more question about cottered cranks - How do you judge the proper parallel alignment of the crank arms? I can visualize a special tool which aligns the pedal holes with the centerline of the bb spindle, but do you actually just eyeball-it? It's not easy to visually align three points in two different planes. Maybe you use a spirit level???

Aldo Ross
Middletown, OH


----- Original Message -----
From: ternst
To: Bob Freitas


<classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2007 3:00 PM Subject: Re: [CR]RE:Cotters


>I have that little VAR tool. HEH-HEH.
> And I use it, too.
> All youse guys are collectively right on.
> BUT no one mentioned that when when you file the flats to seat the pin
> care must be taken.
> The cranks should be parrallel / straight, not 5 minutes after 6.
> You can adjust the crank angle by gently filing at the back or front / top
> or bottom if you wish and changing the angle of the crank to match.
> Gently seat them and keep filing the angle a little at a time to bring
> them around.
> If you file too much then the pin will come through the other side and you
> won't be able to snug down the nut.
> You can easy tap them for angle, but when you seat them without a Pin
> Press then you must support the crank so you don't pit the races or crack
> your balls.
> Usually shop people have a vise that will support the crank when seating
> the pin.
> You could improvise, but may need an assistaant to hold frame while you do
> the seating.
> Once you are experienced it's easily done holding frame and hammer and
> drift to do the job.
> If you don't hammer well, then hold the drift/bar/punch with a pliers so
> you don't whack your hand.
> It helps if you don't have the shakes.
> Just a few hints, been there, done that.
> Can't believe that a Brit needs cotterpin help!
> They probably invented them!
> No wonder you lost the Empire!
> Ted Ernst
> Palos Verdes Estates
> CA USA
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bob Freitas" <freitas1@pacbell.net>
> To: "CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2007 11:36 AM
> Subject: [CR]RE:Cotters
>
>
>> I believe VAR made a tool which held the cotter and allowed you to refile
>> the angle.
>> its been a few years since I have seen one
>> BOB FREITAS
>> MILL VALLEY,CA USA