I just installed a D/A 10 speed bottom bracket and then I started to install a Shimano 10 speed compact crank when I discovered how snug a fit it is with the bottom bracket cups. Is it safe (or wise) to "love" tap it in with a rubber mallet or should I just push it thru by hand? Just thought I'd ask before doing something bad.

I just installed a D/A 10 speed bottom bracket and then I started to install a Shimano 10 speed compact crank when I discovered how snug a fit it is with the bottom bracket cups. Is it safe (or wise) to "love" tap it in with a rubber mallet or should I just push it thru by hand? Just thought I'd ask before doing something bad.

Do you mean it is a snug fit where the "axle" passes through the cups??
I have had to bang this style of crank through with the heal of my hand in the past.
They can be a tight fit.
Make sure you have greased both the cups and the axle too.

Do you mean it is a snug fit where the "axle" passes through the cups??
I have had to bang this style of crank through with the heal of my hand in the past.
They can be a tight fit.
Make sure you have greased both the cups and the axle too.

Yes, the snug fit I was referring to is where the axle passes through the cups. Thanks for your help.

If you have to tap it in, you might need to face your frame. I've never had a problem putting it through with my hands. Becareful.

We had to "encourage" my wife's to go together, and we had the shell faced and everything. But I don't think we needed more than a gentle tap with a rubber mallet. If it takes much force, probably something else is wrong.

I have the shimano compact. Do not have a rubber mallet so I cover the face with a thick paperback and give it a couple of light taps with a hammer to get it through and make sure it is flush against the bottom bracket. If you need to hit it hard, something is wrong but it does fit snug.

I just installed a D/A 10 speed bottom bracket and then I started to install a Shimano 10 speed compact crank when I discovered how snug a fit it is with the bottom bracket cups. Is it safe (or wise) to "love" tap it in with a rubber mallet or should I just push it thru by hand? Just thought I'd ask before doing something bad.

The instructions on the FSA Mega Exo (same design) say that a tap with a mallet is appropriate. In my experience, I've needed to help the FSA a bit more than the Shimano.

It's tight because the actual contact point between the axle and the inner race of the bearing is the plastic bearing cover/seal as well. It makes for a soft press fit that can help to correct any minor misalignments that may be occuring. You might want to hold the left side in with the palm of your hand as you tap it through. The seal (and even the bearing) can pop out if it's not held, and while it's not a particular problem, it means backing it up and trying again.

Be careful! Other owners of HT2 bottom brackets have stripped their bottom bracket threads in their frames by resorting to a mallet or hammer. Approach with caution