Is it all right to use a pair of locking pliers to remove the bottom bracket lockring?

Question

Thus far I have been able to get hold of the correct tool, but I have found that a pair of locking pliers (similar to these: http://www.eclipsetools.com/ProductPics/Latest%20.jpegs/100-028.JPG) allow me to unscrew it. What I want to know is, is it all right to use these, or could I risk damaging the lockring?

Answer 1

Wow.

I would strongly advise against using that tool for removing the lockring. Although it is OK for loosening it it would be a good idea to NOT take it off completely using those. The reason is because the locking pressure- even at it's lowest- can turn the lockring into an oval once it has released from the BB cup.

So, for loosening the ring, yes, for removing it, no.

Answer 2

NO, it is NOT alright!  You also cannot use an adjustable wrench to true your wheels, automotive Fix-A-Flat in your tires, or WD-40 on your chain.

WHEN you trash your BB, don't come whining to me when you can go spend $15 at the local bike shop for the PROPER tool instead of trashing your $80 component.

Bike shops use bike tools, and they are bike specific for a reason.

Answer 3

It is - of course - possible to remove the locking rings from a bottom bracket as (under duress) I have performed such tasks.

It is unlikely that the lock ring will be badly damaged, but there is the chance of damaging the paintwork on the frame as the wrench that was invented by Mr. Mole and  is often called a mole wrench can possibly slip and scratch the paintwork.

It is possible to remove all of the s***w to frame pieces, but there is the chance of more frame damage here as the outer diameter of the s***w in bearing surfaces is exceedingly similar to the outside diameter of the bottom bracket shell.

I'm confident that it will be easier to buy the correct tool to do the job. They are very easy to find and make the job so much easier.

As a matter of interest you might be better off with a pair of stilsons. These are an adjustable (non locking) pliers that plumbers use. They are also large enough to undo a threaded headset in an emergency........................