ThrillAppeal

How to Remove a Bike Crank by Crank Type (2026)

Identify your crank system, grab the right tool and follow the steps for square taper, Hollowtech II or SRAM DUB cranks.

By ThrillAppeal Editorial Team · Updated November 5, 2026

A silver touring bicycle with drop bars and a crankset, parked by a garage

Before You Start

Removing a crank is a common job when you replace a bottom bracket, swap chainrings or service bearings. The method depends on your crank system, so the first step is to identify it. Most bikes use one of three types: square taper (common on older and budget bikes), Shimano Hollowtech II (two pinch bolts on the left crank) or SRAM DUB and other self-extracting cranks (one large bolt on the left arm). If you're not sure, a bike shop can help. A bike repair stand makes the job much easier.

Top Pick

Park Tool CCP-22

Best crank puller

  • Fits square taper spindles
  • Also fits SRAM PowerSpline
  • 22mm x 1 threads
Check Price on Amazon
Runner-Up

Shimano TL-FC16

Best for Hollowtech II

  • Crank cap tool
  • Shimano original
  • For Hollowtech II cranks
Check Price on Amazon
Also Great

Park Tool AWS-10

Best hex wrench set

  • 1.5–6mm hex keys
  • Fold-up design
  • For pinch bolts and crank bolts
Check Price on Amazon

Identify Your Crank Type

Crank TypeHow to Recognize ItTools Needed
Square taper / OctalinkBolt hidden under a dust cap on each armCrank bolt wrench, crank puller
Shimano Hollowtech IITwo pinch bolts and a plastic cap on the left arm5mm hex key, crank cap tool
SRAM DUB / self-extractingSingle large 8mm bolt on the left (non-drive) arm8mm hex key

How to Remove a Square Taper Crank

  1. Shift the chain onto the smallest chainring.
  2. Remove the dust cap from the crank arm.
  3. Remove the crank bolt with the right tool (often 8mm hex or 14mm socket).
  4. Thread the crank puller fully into the crank arm threads by hand. Cross-threading can strip the arm.
  5. Turn the puller's center bolt clockwise to push against the spindle and pull the arm off.
  6. Repeat on the other side.

Park Tool CCP-22 Crank Puller

The CCP-22 fits cranks with 22mm x 1 threads on square taper spindles, and also fits SRAM PowerSpline cranks using the 8mm bolt.

Check Price on Amazon

How to Remove a Shimano Hollowtech II Crank

  1. Loosen the two pinch bolts on the left crank arm with a 5mm hex key, alternating between them.
  2. Unscrew the plastic preload cap with a crank cap tool.
  3. Pull the left arm off the spindle (check for a safety plate tab and lift it if present).
  4. Slide the right crank and spindle out from the drive side. A soft mallet may help.

Shimano TL-FC16

Shimano's crank cap tool for removing and setting preload on Hollowtech II crank caps.

Check Price on Amazon

How to Remove a SRAM DUB or Self-Extracting Crank

  1. Insert an 8mm hex key into the bolt on the non-drive arm.
  2. Turn counterclockwise. The bolt first loosens, then pushes against a cap to extract the arm.
  3. Pull off the non-drive arm, then slide the drive-side crank and spindle out.

Always check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model.

Tools Checklist

  • Hex keys (5mm and 8mm are common).
  • Crank puller for square taper cranks.
  • Crank cap tool for Hollowtech II.
  • Torque wrench for reinstalling.
  • Grease and rags.

Park Tool AWS-10 Hex Wrench Set

A fold-up set with 1.5mm to 6mm hex wrenches for pinch bolts and other bike jobs.

Check Price on Amazon

Park Tool Torque Wrench

A ratcheting click-type torque wrench with a 2–14 Nm range for tightening bolts to spec.

Check Price on Amazon

Reinstallation Tips

  1. Clean and grease the spindle and threads.
  2. Follow the maker's torque specs for crank bolts and pinch bolts.
  3. On Hollowtech II, set preload with the cap before tightening pinch bolts.
  4. Check for play and smooth rotation.

Upgrading? See MTB cranksets. More DIY guides: how to adjust bike brakes and Presta vs Schrader valves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tool do I need to remove a bike crank?

It depends on the crank. Square taper and Octalink cranks need a crank puller; Shimano Hollowtech II needs a crank cap tool and hex key; SRAM DUB usually needs an 8mm hex key.

Can I remove a crank without a crank puller?

Not safely on square taper cranks. Hitting the crank can damage the bearings and spindle.

How do I know which crank system I have?

Look at the crank bolt. A recessed bolt with a dust cap usually means square taper; two pinch bolts on the left arm mean Hollowtech II; a single large 8mm bolt on the left arm often means a self-extracting crank like SRAM DUB.

Do I need a torque wrench to reinstall cranks?

It's strongly recommended. Under- or over-tightened crank bolts can loosen or damage parts.

Why remove a crank?

To replace a bottom bracket, clean and service bearings, change crank length or replace worn chainrings.