The Abbey Crombie tool is one of the best cassette tools made. It’s what I personally reach for almost every time I’m installing or removing a cassette. But what about those times when that lockring is really tight. Like, gorilla-hanging-off-the-end-of-a-cheater-bar tight? For those instances, you might need a little more leverage. Fortunately, there’s the Socket Crombie tool.
Essentially the end of a Crombie tool turned into a 3/8″ drive socket, the Socket Crombie has been available for S Group cassettes (SRAM, Shimano, etc.) for some time. Now, there’s a new version for Campagnolo cassettes as well.
Like the original Crombie tool, the Socket Crombie has a wide opening that allows it to slip over the quick release skewer without removing it from the hub. Of course, it works on thru axle wheels as well.
![Abbey Bike Tools Socket Crombie on torque wrench](https://bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Socket-Crombie-cassette-lockring-tool-for-Campagnolo-cassettes.jpg)
In addition to allowing you to use a large breaker bar to remove stubborn lockrings, the socket also allows it to be used on torque wrenches. This is handy for the S Group model as companies like SRAM start to use the lockring spline for suspension top caps.
Available for S Group or Campagnolo lockrings, the Socket Crombie retails for $50.