In this article I will review the Wheelsmfg CL-socket tool for centerlock disc-brake rotor lockrings that keep the Cyclotech Enduro Disc Rotors in place on the DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline wheels.
While the CEMA Bearing Interlock Bottom Bracket Tool or the Park Tool Bottom Bracket tool perfectly fit the front wheel, the end caps on the rear wheel are longer. So you need to remove the end-cap (and reinstall it) or use a special tool like Wheelsmfg CL-Socket.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key Features Wheelsmfg CL-Socket
On the Wheels Manufacturing product page you can read that:
The Wheelsmfg Centerlock Socket is designed to create a tight grip on a standard 44mm Centerlock Rotor Lockring to avoid slipping while torquing lockrings onto Centerlock Hubs.
Designed to be used with a 3/8” drive socket or torque wrench for easy installation and removal. The socket can also be used with 3/8″ ACME threaded press rods and adjustable press stop mini to prevent slipping. (Not Included).
When I wanted to install the Cyclotech Endura Centerlock Disc Brake Rotors on the DT Swiss XM 1700 Spline wheels, I noticed that my CEMA Bearing SRC-TT-B019 tool with Centerlock interface, was not high enough to fall over the end caps of the DT Swiss 350 rear hub, while maintaining grip on the Centerlock lockring. I could have used the Unior Tools Hub Genie to remove the endcap, and reinstall it, but that doesn’t justify the additional time investment.
So I’ve looked out for a good quality tool that could do the job in a solid way, without damaging the DT Swiss 350 hubs, or its end caps.
Wheelsmfg CL-Socket is different
While there are more options of centerlock lockring tools out there, there are 2 key features of the Wheelsmfg CL Socket tool that set it apart from all the other tools.
- The internal chamber of the tool needs to have a certain depth/height to fall over the hub end caps. In my case the DT Swiss 350 rear-hub end-cap has a height of about 26 mm.
- The centerlock disc-brake-rotor lockring has a small height, and most of the tools have in internal chamfer edge, which gives limited grip. I can confirm that the Wheelsmfg CL-socket and the Abbey Bike Tools Bottom Bracket Socket – Common don’t have that internal chamfer, but a straight cutout to the edge of the tool.
Both are critical requirements to have the centerlock lockring tightened to the correct torque specification without damaging the lockring or the tool. And also critical for not damaging the end-caps of the DT Swiss 350 hubs.
For example BBB Cycling BTL-105 BracketPlug has sufficient chaimber height (requirement #1) but has that internal chamfer edge, which minimizes the contact surface between tool and lockring (with a 45 degree angle about 50% of contact surface) (requirement #2).
The BBB Cycling BTL-105 BracketPlug is a great tool for bottom brackets with excellent value for money, but I will not use it on the aluminum centerlock lockrings of my wheels. The other way around is applicable as well, I will not use the Wheelsmfg CL-Socket on a bottom bracket either. Simply because I don’t want to damage the aluminum tool in the well known Wheelsmfg red-anodized finish.
Wheelsmfg also has an installation instruction on their website where the CL-Socket is used in combination with the Adjustable Press Stop Mini. While this looks like an awesome addition to make the CL-socket tool is placed correctly on the centerlock ring, it only works with a 3/8″ threaded rod. where the press stop can be easily slided over the rod by a press of a button, and locked with the release of a button. However in Europe we are using the metric system, and don’t use empirical rod threads. So I will not add that press stop to my tool collection.
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
I’ve purchased the Wheelsmfg Centerlock CL-Socket for the price-point of around € 32,00 at cyclingweb.nl which is not cheap, but fair for the high quality tool. And even more fair, compared to damaging the DT Swiss 350 hub end caps.
Wheelsmfg is well known for for its bottom brackets, derailleur hangers and tools. Often the red-anodized finish what makes the products recognizable.
You simply need the right tools for the right purpose that will solve the right problem. And this is exactly what this specialized Centerlock CL Socket tool from Wheelsmfg does !
Check out the review of another great product of Wheels Manufacturing: Wheelsmfg FIX-BOLT-1 for Shimano Dura Ace 9000
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