Freewheel/Cassette Tools

[Skyguy9999]

This may end up being a stupid question, but I have to ask since I'm in the market now for a freewheel removing tool and not looking to waste money...are there different freewheel or cassette tools for different makes/models/types of cassettes/freewheels?

For example, I could hop on Jenson and order any of these or more:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TL408A00-Shimano+Tl-Fw40+Freewheel+Remover+2Prg.aspx
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TL401E04-Freewheel+Remover+16T-22T+Fits+All+Axles.aspx

I notice the first looks different than the second or third. Would they fit different freewheels, or could I just buy anybody's freewheel remover and have it work on anybody's freewheel?

[DaveM]

There are a LOT of different remover tools. Unfortunately, Jenson does not appear to have a very good selection.

The two most common are the "shimano style":
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=863352555475&d=single&c=Tools&sc=Freewheel&tc=Splined-Removers&item_id=BR-CT6

And the two prong "suntour style":
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=863352555475&d=single&c=Tools&sc=Freewheel&tc=Notched-Remover&item_id=BR-CT7

For newer bikes with cassettes, you need cassette lockring tools like:
http://www.bikepartsplace.com/discount/cassette-lockring-removing-tool-fr-5/

Those three tools will cover a good number of bikes you'll run in to, but not all.

On the lists you posted, the first one is for a remover with a "thick wall". These are more durable, but usually mean you have to remove the axle before you can take the freewheel off. The other two look like BMX style single speed freewheel tools which have a few different types as well.

[Skyguy9999]

It looks like the splined remover would do the job, given the pattern I see in the middle of the freewheel (and the description in the one you linked). The free wheel would have to come off first before the axle does. But I think I got a good idea of what I need to do now for a freewheel remover. Thanks for the help!

[Alex Ramon]

Skyguy, those three tools you asked about are for more obscure/older freewheels like those found on Suntour-equiped bikes. The third one is for BMX (single-speed) freewheels. I've asked JensonUSA to stock a few more removers and am still waiting to see if they can. You can also get the most common Park FR-1. It looks like Dave has provided some good links to some more common tools.

Are you able to upload a photo of your freewheel so we can figure out which tool you'll need?