I use a trick to remove the cotterpins from cottered cranks. While most avoid the cottered cranks, every bike I have now has them. Some because of the vintage, others because that's what's at the bike shop. When removing the pins, it's easiest to use new pins, but I like to get the most use out of them. They are still good unless the threads are bad or the surface is damaged. I loosen the nut a few turns with a #10 socket, then give the socket a good tap with a hammer to free the pin.
That''s as long as the nut is threaded onto enough of the threads. Then I back it off more and tap until it comes out easily. The threads don't get any damage and I reuse the cotterpins.
Then, as it goes back together, remember the flat angled side of the pins line up with the flat spot on the spindle.
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One pin will face the opposite direction of the other or the crank arms won't be straight in line. I drive them in with a couple whacks of the hammer before tightening the nut down. They strip easily so they don't need much torque.
That''s as long as the nut is threaded onto enough of the threads. Then I back it off more and tap until it comes out easily. The threads don't get any damage and I reuse the cotterpins.
Then, as it goes back together, remember the flat angled side of the pins line up with the flat spot on the spindle.
One pin will face the opposite direction of the other or the crank arms won't be straight in line. I drive them in with a couple whacks of the hammer before tightening the nut down. They strip easily so they don't need much torque.
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