Bottom bracket tool improvement

I've been thinking about this the BBT4 and the other tools as well. In reality, it's the maker of
the part, Campy, that has the problem. The design stinks. Why not a round ring with just 2 flats? Or
maybe a hexagon or octagon?

I would think that there is a socket for a ½" drive that has the same notches as the bb cup.

Paul Kopit said:

I've been thinking about this the BBT4 and the other tools as well. In reality, it's the maker of
the part, Campy, that has the problem. The design stinks. Why not a round ring with just 2 flats?
Or maybe a hexagon or octagon?

I would think that there is a socket for a ½" drive that has the same notches as the bb cup.

That design was around long before Campagnolo adopted it. Like any other system there are good and
poor tool designs. Contrast a crappy Shimano or Park cup tool against a Tacx on a rusty BB some
time. Night and day.

There are lots of 1/2" drive cup tools for Shimano format BBs. Lifu, for instance, is very well
made, much better than a Shimano or a Park. But with no positive engagement to the spindle they slip
anyway. Tacx is the only toolmaker who addresses this, AFAIK.

For that matter, a normal loose ball BB is a PITA with the traditional hooked wrench. Those suck
compared to a professional's VAR plier. Not only does the VAR not slip but by pressing firmly or
lightly the adjustment is set and locked with one hand on one pass with one tool. Talk to somebody
who's done that job with a hooked wrench and a two-pin wrench (such as Campagnolo's #712 and #712.1
or even worse the Park versions)one tool in each hand. Life isn't long enough for that kind of
fumbling and diddling around but it does _not_ mean "the maker of the part has a problem". You just
haven't got the best tool. Saved a few bucks and got a bloody knuckle for free.

--
Andrew Muzi www.yellowjersey.org Open every day since 1 April, 1971