Mission Impossible: removing a bicycle freewheel when tool won't work.?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Midatlantian
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Midatlantian

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I've got an OLD 5 speed freewheel on an old 27" wheel on an old racing bicycle, The freewheel has a raised ridge that the tool is supposed to lock to, but the ridge sheared off long ago, and I need to replace a few spokes on that side of the wheel.

A bike store suggested cutting the cog wheels off with an angle grinder, then using a vise to remove the inside part, but I do not have an angle grinder. I have some other ideas but would like comments:

1. Have the inner part and outer part of the freewheel spot-welded, then just hammer it off. Will spot welding get the hub or housing too hot? Will it damage it?

2. Use carb cleaner to flush the grease from the freewheel bearings and shoot in superglue or epoxy glue. then hammer the assembly off.

Drill holes along the edge between the free-rotating part of the freewheel and the part screwed onto the axle, insert strong sheet metal screws to stop it from rotating while I hammer it off.

The man who gave it to me said that he had used it to train for Tour de France in the late 40s, so at least it WAS a great bike. Even with several spokes missing, the rim rolls true. So I do not want to trash it.

Any ideas would be great.

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.
 
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