dismantling a wheel by cutting the spokes... OK?

[keithglos]

On a gear hub its better to cut the slack side first, rather than the gear side. Modern rims seem very rigid, but if its an old very light rim perhaps cut pairs of spokes diametrically opposite. When finishing light wheels in the 60's I always finally tightened in groups of 4 diametrically opposite, and about a quarter turn as required. Our light rims were 8 ounce wood inserts.
Most screw on freewheels have the outer bearing plate accessible, left hand thread, just gently tap it round and tip the block into something suitable. Then grip the centre part with a vice or suitable wrench, and turn.
If you want to use the block again grip it with the pawls in, in a vice, but not too tight. If too tight the it grips the thread and won't turn. Just remember to turn it the opposite way to the pedalling direction.

 

[Lazarus]

Ditto that Pigman "and get the block off before you dismantle the wheel. Removing a block from a lonesum hub is impossible without damaging something" just ask my lonely Nuovo Tipo front hub :cry:

I took a lump hammer to the whole hub, block and anything else that came into range after I lost my temper, all for a rim to "give away". That was 6 months ago and I'm still angry because the block never did come off. Good luck ..... and stay cool ..... breath deep ..... scream and hide lump hammers :roll: Laz

PS: open to offers on a slightly damaged Nuovo Tipo rear hub & block in need of some slight attention

 

[Midlife]

Thought I'd give it a go........started on the easy front. Picked up the wheel, not really looked at it for 30 odd years, yep fiamme road rim, yep straight campag skewer, looked at the Tub, yep Vittoria.

Looked again the hub............ says SUZUE on it !! err. pardon me where did that come from ?

I remember having some training wheels with cheaper hubs but thought they were plessier. Where's my Campag stuff gone, should have made a note to myself back in the 70's..

Gone back into the house for a sulk

Shaun

 

[keithglos]

Laz, I used to get the freewheel blocks off after the spokes had been cut.
Using a scrap steel rim, and a vice. Probably about 8 old spokes, cut the heads off and make a double bend instead. This can then be inserted behind the freewheel. Sometimes after dropping the freewheel apart as above. No need to build the wheel, just a few spokes in one direction will do. I usually offered to sell magic wands for those who wanted to do it themselves.
If I had a striped apron I would donate it to you.
Keith

 

[Jonny69]

I've cut plenty of spokes and the rims have always been fine.

I'd agree that it's a LOT easier to get the freewheel off with the rim and spokes still in place.