How to remove remove a crank arm?

Question

i have no special tools i just need the axel so i am willing to damage the bike does anyone know anytricks how to get the crank arm out?

Answer 1

Your best bet is just to go to a bike shop and pony up the $5 or $10 for a crank puller or maybe even talk to the shop in to pulling it for you.  You maybe able to force it off by wedging something between the crank and the frame, but you risk damaging the frame.  The other option is to cut a groove through the top of the crank arm.  This will obviously damage the crank arm and make it unusable.  Just one more question - do you have to tools to remove the bottom bracket (spindle) once you get the crank off?  Maybe you should just take it to a shop and have them pull the whole thing out.

Answer 2

without a puller i dont think you can get it off without damaging the spindle you are after.  you might try cutting thru the crank arms.  without a puller you will need to cut thru both sides to get spindle free. unfortunately i believe as you cut thu the arms you are going to get into the spindle too.  here's the thing.  a puller cost $5?