Bicycle Cone Wrench
From CoMakingSpace Wiki
| ToolInfoBox Bicycle Cone Wrench | |
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| Synonyms: | DE:Konusschlüssel |
| Location: | Bike Lounge |
A bicycle cone wrench is an ultra-thin, specialized open-ended spanner used to adjust the hub bearings (cones) on bicycle wheels. It is typically about 2-7 mm thick, allowing it to fit into the narrow gaps of a hub assembly to hold the cone nut in place while tightening or loosening the locknut.
Available Sizes:
- SCW-13: 13 mm
- SCW-14: 14 mm
- SCW-15: 15 mm
- SCW-16: 16 mm
- SCW-17: 17 mm
- SCW-18: 18 mm
- SCW-19: 19 mm
- SCW-20: 20 mm
- SCW-21: 21 mm
- SCW-22: 22 mm
- SCW-23: 23 mm
- SCW-24: 24 mm
- SCW-26: 26 mm
- SCW-28: 28 mm
Here is the breakdown of why they are unique and essential:
- Why so thin? Standard wrenches are about 2-7 mm thick. If you use a standard wrench on a hub cone, it is too wide and will bind with the locknut. Cone wrenches are specially designed to be slim enough to adjust the cone without touching the locknut.
- What they do: They adjust the "bearing preload". When servicing a wheel, you need to tighten the cones just enough to remove any wobble (play), while keeping the wheel spinning perfectly smooth.
- How they work: You use the cone wrench on the inner cone nut and a second wrench (or another cone wrench) on the outer locknut to secure the setting.
- Handle with care: Because they are so thin, they are meant only for low-torque adjustments. Using a cone wrench to loosen heavy, stuck nuts will easily bend or snap the tool.
Further explanations and links regarding the handling:
