I notice a lot of people mentioning the VAR lockring pliers -- but what is the availability like on these? Hozan makes a set also, but I don't know how the two compare -- though I've seen the Hozan ones more frequently than the VAR.
One note about the single-prong tools -- there are a lot of them out there (Park, Hozan, Shimano, and more), but I don't think any of them works that well until they've been modified slightly. Harris Cyclery used to sell a modified Hozan single prong wrench, but I don't think they have that one anymore. The modification basically is to sharpen and square up the "tooth" so it better fits into the notch of a lockring without slipping and stripping the part.
Kyle Brooks Akron, OH
________________________________ From: coel canth <coelcanth@gmail.com> To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Wed, March 24, 2010 1:51:04 PM Subject: Re: [CR] BB Lock Ring Wrench
the VAR lockring pliers are just about the best out there, and probably as close to universal as you can get
but for lockrings that do not have symmetrical notches, the forged Hozan single prong tool is a good choice.
i have also been intrigued by (though never had cause to explore) the large variety of forged single prong hinged lockring spanners made for industrial applications
andrei padlowski brooklyn, ny
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hugh Thornton wrote:
>
> I am just wondering if anybody knows of a near-universal bottom bracket
lockring wrench that will work on a typical notched lockring. I have a
Campagnolo wrench which works great on Campagnolo and similarly sized
lockrings, but it is very size-specific. I have a Mavic bottom bracket
that I want to unscrew and the diameter is tooo large for the Campy wrench
and the typical stamped wrench with one prong is not up to the job.
>
> Does anybody know of a tool that is effective in these circumstances
that won't wreck the slots? I apologize if this is a repeat question - I
did have a look in the archives but didn't come up with anything.
>
> Thanks
> Hugh Thornton
> Cheshire, England
The VAR lockring pliers are worth a look
-- mvg
Marten Gerritsen
Kiel Windeweer
Netherlands