How to Use a Lockring Spanner

Almost every modern bicycle uses some form of bottom bracket. This is the sealed cylinder that houses the spindle and bearings that attach to the cranks and chainrings. In order to keep the bottom bracket locked into the bicycle frame, a lockring is placed onto the bracket and turned to secure it into the frame and make a watertight seal. To remove or install the lockring, a special tool called the lockring spanner is used.

Things You'll Need

  • Rag
  • Small rubber mallet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the lockring spanner over the very end of the bottom bracket on the bottom center of the bicycle. Look for the small black ring around the chamber where the bottom bracket is housed and slip the teeth on the lockring spanner into the teeth holes on the lockring.

    • 2

      Wrap the end of the spanner (the side not connected to the ring) with a small rag.

    • 3

      Tap firmly, yet not too hard, on the wrapped end to produce enough leverage to loosen the lockring. Begin to turn it counterclockwise. Use the rag and mallet as most lockring spanners don't have enough length to get the needed leverage to remove the ring.

    • 4

      Pull the lockring spanner off once the lockring is loose and the bottom-bracket accessible.