For anyone that's interested, a follow-up to my travails from last week
relating to crank removal: I finally managed to get them off by the
application of extreme leverage, achieved by lengthening the spanner
something in the order of three feet, using a vacuum cleaner extension
tube.
The next ordeal was getting the bottom bracket out. This I eventually
accomplished by gripping the bottom bracket tool in a large alligator
grip, which I then held in place in the workbench. I then applied the
bottom bracket to the tool, frame and all, and turned the frame. Still
hard work but deeply satisfying when it finally came off.
All I can say is that without the excellent advice picked up in urc I
would still be struggling with the cranks, probably minus a few layers
of skin off my knuckles. So, thanks all.
d.