..what (specialist) tools do i need to remove a screw-on 7 speed freewheel?
Might sound daft but i've never actually worked on a wheel like this before so not sure what i need before i start.

A splined tool thingummy like the Park FR-1, and a vice, or failing that, a gurt big spanner.

If it's the older IG freewheel ones I have the tool, fits campag cassettes as well. Bought it then I had a Campag equipped bike. I'm in Edinburgh if You want to borrow it, just need to find it first 🙂

Looks like that:

Damn, don't have that tool!
I've got the jobbie for removing a normal cassette from a free-hub body – don't suppose it would do the job?

No, cassette lockring tool is a different spline, unless as stated above, come campag ones will fit

Bugger – looks like i'm gonna have to buy the tool then. Why are there so many different 'standards' out there?????

You'll also need a bench vice which is bolted to the floor.
Those things are buggers to shift.

Oh – and the removal tool varies with the freewheel.

I've still got one for 7-speed Regina freewheels if anyone wants it.

The Park FR-1 is a safe bet, fits Shimano and most others that aren't really obscure!

Bench vice – check
Big effin' hammer – check
Park FR-1 – will do!

wait! i had this problem a couple of weeks a go. It might not be designed for it but a great big allan key will do the job.

oh and you'll need a great long tube to give you more leverage

I was swapping a 7sp freewheel from a damaged wheel on to a new one for my uncle. It took me about an hour (20min cursing and trying to find anything to use as an extension) and about half a can of WD40 to get it off. It all depends on the wheel condition, my uncle keeps the bike either outside or in a basic shed it was a bit rusty on the threads. My friends bike is kept indoors, freewheel came off like a dream 😉

I bought the one from Wiggle for under £6, no need to pay more as it works fine and never had any problems with it.

meisko – the tool for £6?

miesko – grease is your friend.

Yep grease is my friend, but probably not the guys at Dawes who put the bike together 😉
THIS TOOL FOR £6