Bent cranks

[user 135]

I have 2 Schwinn cranks that are bent and hit the frame. I slipped a pipe over the top and tried extra leverage. Did not work.

Am I SOL? or is there another way. I will prolly try to find a replacement or two. Dang Schwinns are wider than the other I have.

 

[ACD]

Heating the metal is a sure way to be able to bend it. The plating will be damaged though. (At the least it will turn blue. Some motorcycle exhaust polish products may fix it.) Trying to bend metal as strong as a crank arm cold is nearly impossible. If you do heat it let it cool slowly don't dunk it in water as that will make it britle. (I used to play blacksmith) Shock cooling has it's place but usually for hardening edged tools like shovels, knives, axe heads, ect. Do not try this with Aluminum cranksets!

 

[Larry]

Ashtabula cranks are very common, replace them.