If you’ve ever tried to remove a SRAM DUB crankset with an aluminium fixing bolt, it’s well known they like to put up a bit of a fight before initially loosening.
Many ‘creative’ solutions have been publicised by mechanics to get that stubborn crank bolt to budge, from breaker bars to impact guns or even an inner tube (and don’t forget swearing at it).
Now CeramicSpeed has entered the chat with its new Crank Bolt Removal Tool, which offers a decidedly different method of undoing the bolt. Speaking to BikeRadar, the brand said it designed the tool to overcome current challenges and wanted a solution to "make the process easier and safer, as well as be nimble and easy to travel with".
The tool retails for a heady £199.99 / $225 / €210 (or £119.99 / $145 / €125 without the handwheel) and isn’t limited to SRAM DUB cranks – it can be used to remove and replace any self-extracting crankset. Australian pricing is to be confirmed.
What does the tool consist of?
The tool comprises five parts – a threaded rod with a hooked end, a faux pedal axle, a leverage arm with a hex end, a handwheel and an adaptor if you’re undoing a 10mm bolt (such as on Campagnolo cranks).
The handwheel is the part that makes the magic happen – CeramicSpeed reuses the press head found on its equally lavish €359 Bottom Bracket Tool Kit (which is why there’s an option to buy it without).
The press head is practically identical to those found on Abbey Bike Tools and Enduro Bearings press kits. To somewhat justify the tall asking price, the press head runs on a CeramicSpeed bearing for that extra magic touch.
How does the tool work?
The hooked end of the threaded rod needs to rest fully on the pedal axle. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to remove your pedals and install the faux pedal axle.
Then, rotate the cranks so the pedal is at nine o’clock.
Insert the hex key into the bolt, so it's positioned at just past 12 o’clock to allow for maximum leverage. Feed the threaded rod through the leverage arm, making sure the arrow that’s printed on it is pointing towards the pedal.
Then, install the handwheel and keep tightening until you either feel or hear the bolt breaking loose.
You can then remove the Crank Bolt Removal Tool and finish loosening the bolt with the relevant hex key.
CeramicSpeed Crank Bolt Removal Tool impressions
I tested this tool on four different SRAM DUB cranksets – two Force, a GX Eagle and an XX Eagle Transmission.
It’s worth noting only one crankset was on a bike that had been thoroughly used, with the other three on bikes that had either just arrived or had been tested for review.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well the tool performed and, crucially, it managed to undo all four test crankset bolts with surprising ease and a refreshing lack of force.
On two of the cranksets, there was the signature gunshot sound of the bolt breaking free, but I didn’t get an audible cue with the other two cranksets.
I wasn’t able to tell the bolt had loosened with this tool and the only way to confirm a positive result was to back off the handwheel so I could unhook the tool from the pedal axle and see if the hex key would turn willingly.
I found I had to turn the handwheel in significantly further to undo the two mountain bike crankset bolts and I suspect this is because they both had shorter 170mm crank lengths.
I wish the threaded rod were longer, so that I could position the hex key at two o’clock for even more leverage. This would mean I wouldn’t have to wind the handwheel in as much to get the bolt to break free.
I’d be interested to see how this tool performs on a particularly problematic crankset, such as when the bolt has been left for multiple winters, or if it has been over-tightened.
I’d be seriously impressed if it managed to undo a particularly memorable crankset back in my workshop days where even an air gun couldn’t get the blighter to budge.
Overall, my initial impressions are positive and, provided it continues to perform, I think this could be a good investment if you’re a mechanic who regularly works on these bolts. I’m not so sure the value’s there for more infrequent use.
Why are SRAM DUB crank bolts hard to undo?
It’s been widely theorised that the reason the aluminium fixing bolt is difficult to undo is because of galling – when two threaded fasteners that are supposed to be in sliding contact with each other have seized.
This happens because the threaded part sheds microscopic bits of material, which then get jammed, preventing it from moving.
It also doesn’t help that the threads on the soft aluminium bolt and spindle are very fine, combined with the fact SRAM recommends a high 48-54Nm torque rating.
I don’t want to spend £199.99 / $225 / €210 on a tool – what other solutions are there?
A long ratchet or a breaker bar is a good first port of call, as well as a willing assistant to hold the crankarm down.
I like to use a toe strap to secure the non-driveside crankarm to the non-driveside chainstay to skip the assistant part.
Then, it’s a case of ‘heave-ho’ on the breaker bar and the bolt should break free.
I also recommend a £12.99 solution. SRAM specs a steel bolt on its lower-tier DUB cranksets (part number 11.6118.066.000).
Although there’s an approximately 13g weight increase (18g vs 31g), not only do you step up to a more reliable 10mm hex key fitting for the self-extracting cap (as opposed to a pin spanner), the pairing of steel and aluminium significantly reduces the chances of galling.
It’s a rare case of where a heavier component trumps a lighter one, and a compromise I’d wholeheartedly recommend making.
