Any idea what tool I need to remove the singlespeed freewheel from a kids bike hub? It is threaded on to the hub and has 8 notches on the inside diameter for a tool to fit, but can't seem to find a tool that matches...
A screwdriver and a hammer. Pop the blade in a notch and tap it off. You can use a brass rod, which is softer than a screwdriver, so a bit more forgiving, but a screwdriver is fine. There probably is a tool bit it's really not worth it
Gave it a go - not a chance it is coming off like that! Notches are broad and shallow so screwdriver blade doesn't grip.
If the freewheel is scrap I used to just put in a vice and do vice up tight on the freewheel which squashed it together enough to then just turn the wheel and undo it.
What kerley said
Kerley plus 1.
Standard bike shop technique for removal if they're knackered, which is really the only reason to take them off, since it's not a serviceable item.
Don't you need them off to service the bearings?
I've had luck with a punch and a hammer.
Try a BMX freewheel removal tool if you want to buy the RIGHT tool but as above, use molegrips or a vice, it's dead anyway
Don’t you need them off to service the bearings?
I am guessing it being a kids freewheel it is a £5 item so servicing bearings not worth it or may not even be possible. I wouldn't suggest using the vice method on a White Industries freewheel and I would buy the correct tool.
Watch this, pretty foolproof analogy of which tool does what. Used it the other day to ID the tool for a Childs bike of a friend after faffing about trying every tool I had!