The difference a proper bearing press made on a vintage bottom bracket

After struggling for years with makeshift tools, I finally bought a proper bearing press last month. The install went from a 45-minute fight to a smooth 5-minute job, and the alignment is perfect now. Anyone have a favorite press they'd recommend for shop use?

4 comments

4 Comments

logan5611mo ago

Oh @hayden_craig95, a buddy of mine tried the hammer and socket trick and ended up cracking his frame.

hayden_craig953mo agoMost Upvoted

What took you so long? I used a hammer and a socket for way too long before caving. The Park Tool BBT-22 is the one I keep on my bench, it just works every single time. That click when the bearing seats right is so satisfying. Never going back to the old ways.

jadej503mo ago

Same here, I wasted so much time with a mallet before getting the right tool. That click is worth every penny.

adams.uma3mo ago

Yeah that click is everything. I fought it for years thinking my old method was fine but man was I wrong. Once you get that perfect seat you just can't go back to guessing.