Park Tool BBT-22 Bottom Bracket Tool
Park Tool BBT-22 is widely regarded as the best-in-class threaded bottom bracket cup spline wrench for general service because it combines broad spline compatibility and hardened-steel construction for repeated shop use. It stands out against the other tools here by covering more modern cup profiles and offering a long-lived, service-grade feel—at a higher price point than some competitors but with durability that reduces lifetime cost compared with cheaper alternatives.
Precision spline
Rugged steel
Precision spline
Rugged steel
Review Summary
"Consistently praised for an exact fit, heavy-duty construction and long-term durability; users say it engages splines cleanly and is worth the premium for frequent shop use. A few note the price compared with generic copies but still call it the go-to professional tool."
Grips like a vise
Fits most 20-spline threaded bottom bracket cups including Shimano, SRAM and ISIS standards.
Grips like a vise
Fits most 20-spline threaded bottom bracket cups including Shimano, SRAM and ISIS standards.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Park Tool BBT-22 is widely regarded as the best-in-class threaded bottom bracket cup spline wrench for general service because it combines broad spline compatibility and hardened-steel construction for repeated shop use. It stands out against the other tools here by covering more modern cup profiles and offering a long-lived, service-grade feel—at a higher price point than some competitors but with durability that reduces lifetime cost compared with cheaper alternatives.
Precision spline
Rugged steel
Grips like a vise
Fits most 20-spline threaded bottom bracket cups including Shimano, SRAM and ISIS standards.
Hardened tool steel construction for high durability and long service life.
Precision spline
Rugged steel
Grips like a vise
Fits most 20-spline threaded bottom bracket cups including Shimano, SRAM and ISIS standards.
Hardened tool steel construction for high durability and long service life.
$25-40 USD
Park Tool BBT-9 Bottom Bracket Tool
Park Tool BBT-9 has been a market leader for years thanks to its proven reliability and value for common threaded bottom bracket jobs, especially on older or legacy spline cups. While not as universally compatible with the newest cup profiles as the BBT-22, it typically costs less and is easier to source for routine maintenance, making it a go-to for shops and home mechanics who want a dependable, lower-cost Park Tool option.
Sealed-cup fit
Low-profile
Sealed-cup fit
Low-profile
Review Summary
"Reviewed as a rock-solid, reliable Park Tool option that fits common splined cartridge bottom brackets with excellent tolerances and long life. Users appreciate the robust build and workshop-ready design, though some find it pricier than no-name alternatives."
Gentle giant
Designed for sealed cartridge and splined bottom bracket cups found on many bikes.
Gentle giant
Designed for sealed cartridge and splined bottom bracket cups found on many bikes.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Park Tool BBT-9 has been a market leader for years thanks to its proven reliability and value for common threaded bottom bracket jobs, especially on older or legacy spline cups. While not as universally compatible with the newest cup profiles as the BBT-22, it typically costs less and is easier to source for routine maintenance, making it a go-to for shops and home mechanics who want a dependable, lower-cost Park Tool option.
Sealed-cup fit
Low-profile
Gentle giant
Designed for sealed cartridge and splined bottom bracket cups found on many bikes.
Robust, compact profile makes it easier to reach cups in tighter BB shells.
Sealed-cup fit
Low-profile
Gentle giant
Designed for sealed cartridge and splined bottom bracket cups found on many bikes.
Robust, compact profile makes it easier to reach cups in tighter BB shells.
$20-35 USD
Shimano TL-FC36 Bottom Bracket Tool
Shimano TL-FC36 is Shimano’s OEM-focused spline wrench that delivers precise fitment and economical pricing for Shimano threaded bottom bracket cups and Hollowtech II systems. Its technical advantage is exact match tolerances for Shimano parts, which makes it a cost-effective choice if you primarily work on Shimano assemblies, though it is less versatile across non-Shimano splines compared with the Park Tool options.
Shimano-specific fit
Lightweight control
Shimano-specific fit
Lightweight control
Review Summary
"Seen as a good OEM alternative that fits Shimano splined cups well and works reliably for home mechanics; reviewers note it’s slightly less heavy-duty than Park Tool but much more affordable. Some users report minor fit/play on older or worn splines."
Clicks into place
Official Shimano fit for Hollowtech II and similar external splined threaded cups for precise engagement.
Clicks into place
Official Shimano fit for Hollowtech II and similar external splined threaded cups for precise engagement.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Shimano TL-FC36 is Shimano’s OEM-focused spline wrench that delivers precise fitment and economical pricing for Shimano threaded bottom bracket cups and Hollowtech II systems. Its technical advantage is exact match tolerances for Shimano parts, which makes it a cost-effective choice if you primarily work on Shimano assemblies, though it is less versatile across non-Shimano splines compared with the Park Tool options.
Shimano-specific fit
Lightweight control
Clicks into place
Official Shimano fit for Hollowtech II and similar external splined threaded cups for precise engagement.
Solid steel construction with corrosion-resistant finish for reliable workshop use.
Shimano-specific fit
Lightweight control
Clicks into place
Official Shimano fit for Hollowtech II and similar external splined threaded cups for precise engagement.
Solid steel construction with corrosion-resistant finish for reliable workshop use.
$20-35 USD
Pedro's Bottom Bracket Socket Tool
Pedro's Bottom Bracket Socket Tool is a socket-style spline wrench designed for heavy torque and ratchet use, offering thick-walled construction and secure engagement that appeals to shop environments. It competes financially with mid-range options by balancing a lower sticker price than Park’s premium models with better torque-handling than many thin-profile budget tools, though it may not match Park Tool’s broader spline compatibility.
Socket-ready
Corrosion-proof
Socket-ready
Corrosion-proof
Review Summary
"Pedro's tool is generally rated as high quality, well machined and comfortable to use, with reviewers liking its balance of durability and price for frequent use. A few reviewers mention it isn’t quite as ubiquitous in shops as Park Tool but performs equally well in long-term use."
Torque with a wink
Socket-style 20-spline design fits most modern threaded bottom bracket cups including Shimano and SRAM.
Torque with a wink
Socket-style 20-spline design fits most modern threaded bottom bracket cups including Shimano and SRAM.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Skill Development & Mastery
Pedro's Bottom Bracket Socket Tool is a socket-style spline wrench designed for heavy torque and ratchet use, offering thick-walled construction and secure engagement that appeals to shop environments. It competes financially with mid-range options by balancing a lower sticker price than Park’s premium models with better torque-handling than many thin-profile budget tools, though it may not match Park Tool’s broader spline compatibility.
Socket-ready
Corrosion-proof
Torque with a wink
Socket-style 20-spline design fits most modern threaded bottom bracket cups including Shimano and SRAM.
Designed for use with standard ratchets for fast, high-leverage removal and installation.
Socket-ready
Corrosion-proof
Torque with a wink
Socket-style 20-spline design fits most modern threaded bottom bracket cups including Shimano and SRAM.
Designed for use with standard ratchets for fast, high-leverage removal and installation.
$30-50 USD
Cyclus Tools Bottom Bracket Wrench 720202
Cyclus Tools Bottom Bracket Wrench 720202 is a precision, economical option from a German maker that often wins on price-to-performance for threaded bottom bracket cup spline work. Its slim profile and good machining make it useful in tight spaces and a budget-friendly alternative to Park and Pedro’s tools, but distribution and warranty support are typically more limited than the larger brands, so shops may prefer it as a secondary or home-use tool.
Slimline reach
High-torque teeth
Slimline reach
High-torque teeth
Review Summary
"Valued as a good-value, competent splined bottom bracket wrench with adequate durability for home and light shop use; reviews commonly highlight its price-to-performance ratio. Some users report slightly looser tolerances compared with premium brands, so it’s preferred for occasional rather than heavy professional use."
Silent spline eater
Sturdy splined tool compatible with a wide range of threaded bottom bracket cups.
Silent spline eater
Sturdy splined tool compatible with a wide range of threaded bottom bracket cups.
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Cyclus Tools Bottom Bracket Wrench 720202 is a precision, economical option from a German maker that often wins on price-to-performance for threaded bottom bracket cup spline work. Its slim profile and good machining make it useful in tight spaces and a budget-friendly alternative to Park and Pedro’s tools, but distribution and warranty support are typically more limited than the larger brands, so shops may prefer it as a secondary or home-use tool.
Slimline reach
High-torque teeth
Silent spline eater
Sturdy splined tool compatible with a wide range of threaded bottom bracket cups.
Compact open-end design gives good frame clearance and easy engagement.
Slimline reach
High-torque teeth
Silent spline eater
Sturdy splined tool compatible with a wide range of threaded bottom bracket cups.
Compact open-end design gives good frame clearance and easy engagement.
$15-30 USD