Cassette Removal & Installation

Calvin demonstrates how to remove and install cassette cogs and choose the correct lockring tool.

Important note!
There's another cog system called a "freewheel", and the procedures in this video are for cassette systems, not freewheel systems.
If you're not sure what you've got, watch this other video to help you determine which is which.

Why are we doing this? Sprocket teeth wear over time and no longer engage the chain leading to poor drivetrain train performance and chain skipping. This procedure is also used when replacing the cassette for an upgrade or to changing gear ratios.

Video contents:
00:00 Preliminary Info
01:37 Lockring Tool Selection
02:07 Removal Process
05:41 Installation Process

Questions or comments? Leave them below!

➤Other Cassette & Freewheel Videos:

➤ Tools & materials used:
Cassette Lockring Removal Tool:
Other options:

Freewheel Tool Driver (wrench):
Other options:

Grease or Anti-seize:
Other options:

Chain Whip:
Other options:

For a text-based walk-through of this process:

➤ Fix It:
Did you know that Park Tool is the #1 resource for bicycle repair education?

➤ About Park Tool:
Since our founding in 1963, Park Tool has been the leading name in bicycle tools. Our YouTube channel is an extension of our mission to be the ultimate resource for mechanics and riders of all skill levels. Here you will find comprehensive repair help tutorials for a wide range of components and processes, as well as troubleshooting guides, tips and tricks, and information on the latest Park Tool products.

[antounnn]

Calvin Jones is the best tutorial on youtube. He is a real shop master, mechanic and teacher. I bet he can teach you Calculus and you get it. I watch his videos all the time when I need to repair my bike and when I'm bored. Tumps up Calvin, and thank you.

[robbchastain]

Calvin would be Shop Teacher of the Year, every year.

[davereade]

Mr. Jones always speaks with clarity and excellent diction. I only watch his videos when I need information on bicycle repair and maintenance. I will not rest until the city council erects a bronze statue of him at the bike lane intersection of Wharf and Government streets in my home city Victoria, British Columbia. Ideally, he would be holding a chain whip (or some other awesome Park tool) triumphantly above his head in celebration of having the best bike repair videos on the internet! Well done, Calvin!

[khapie]

the fact that he explained every lockering tool helped me so much 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[billpottinger]

Whenever I get the blues I click on over to Park Tool and re-watch my favorite Calvin tutorials. Boom! Blues are gone.

[petkusj]

Thank you so much! I used the video to install a new cassette on my old, old bike. I also ended up buying the Park Tools chain pliers (easy to use) and the FR-5-2 removal tool. And afterward, I watched the Park Tools rear derailleur adjustment video because the shift indexing changed a little bit. These videos explained everything perfectly.

[richarde]

Yet another thorough, comprehensive, well-paced, and detailed Park Tool instructional video. Thanks so much, Park Tool. You’re awesome, Calvin!

[ajbarnes]

I know this video is old, but I got to say thank you! I've done maintenance on every part of a bike except 2 parts that I was always hesitant with... the cassette area and crank area. This video has helped me tremendously! It's WAY easier than I thought. Removed the old and installed the new cassette in about 10 minutes! Thank you Calvin for yet another helpful tutorial!

[davidthomas]

This guy knows his stuff. Excellent teacher in his field.

[huehue]

Simple and not wasting anyone's time. Best tutorials for bicycle maintenance on YouTube.

[bajawalla]

Calvin Jones is the Zeus of the bicycle world!

[cvirkus]

Calvin is a great teacher, i'm in the process of changing my cassette & now feel more confident than ever at doing it on my e-bike ! ! ! ! ! :-) LOL

[mvm]

This comes several years too late, but I felt the urge to thank Park Tool and C. Jones for their tutorials. They made my first rear wheel swap a piece of cake. I knew exactly what to do after watching this.

[timdodd]

For 40 years I had freewheels. My new commuter bike had a cassette. Now I have new Park tools. Thanks!

[akinnon]

Your videos are absolutely awesome. I had ZERO confidence, nor skill, but now i'm able to do many things, and i appreciate it. Thanks.

[Hootyhoo-jqvq]

I have many Park Tool brand tools in part due to these videos.
Calvin and crew do a thorough job with these tutorials.

[lmc]

Calvin is the absolute Best, if not he is the Master Jedi of bike repair...

[timothydizdar]

Back on full send only cause of you, my second try and I literally said that craxkin sound ain't good PARKTOOL gotta have a video on YouTube? Heaven sent, and GOD BLESSED you are. VERY SERIOUS ABOUT COVERING ALL THE VARIABLES, THANKYOU

[joemccabe]

Yeah Calvin is the double of my dad who is sadly now passed away, so I love watching these for that and the tips, thx Calvin

[DIYJeff]

While Calvin has a dry delivery, his videos are super informative and cover just about every possible scenario. I love this guy!