Headset tools

[papisimo11]

I have seen a lot of friends install the headset with a block of wood and a rubber mallet. In college I built my own press at the hardware store.
There have been a lot of posts where people have f'ed up the head tube because of improper installation, making the frame unusable.
I'd recommend dropping the cash. The tool should last forever. The Park HS removal tool is too cheap and effective not to have in the arsenal.
paz afuera

[DeeZee]

[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Is always best but $150 is a lot of $$. You could pay a shop to do it 15 times before you reach your break-even point.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Here is my "poor man’s" method:[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Removal[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Go to Lowe’s Hope Depot etc.. and get the largest wooden dowel that will fit inside the cups / HS. Cut it to size and tap the dowel with a hammer as it is rotated around the edge of the cup. [/FONT][/SIZE]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Installation [/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]The problem here is that some HT (new frames) have not been faced at the factory and or the tolerances are not spot on. If the frame has been prepped properly here is an easy method.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Stick the cups / HS in the freezer for an hour or two. The cold will shrink the metal.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Remove from freezer[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Apply grease to cups / HS and HT[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Option 1: Tap in with rubber mallet Option 2: Press in with a large C clamp and two pieces of wood.[/SIZE][/FONT]

[slowSSer]

need to have one installed or removed? PM me and we'll set something up- I've got a park HS press (w/ chris king adapters) and a campy HS remover.

Originally Posted by .8down

what part of that tool is something I cant make??? the "Bushing"?

[.8down]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

need to have one installed or removed? PM me and we'll set something up- I've got a park HS press (w/ chris king adapters) and a campy HS remover.

yea I have a king headset on my stumpy now that I would like to remove to keep for any future bikes I may buy, or sell to raise money for other parts, but I have to finish my trance build first, the thought is appreciated, I'm still wondering if I should get the tool, everyone seems to have their own methods...

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by .8down

yea I have a king headset on my stumpy now that I would like to remove to keep for any future bikes I may buy, or sell to raise money for other parts, but I have to finish my trance build first, the thought is appreciated, I'm still wondering if I should get the tool, everyone seems to have their own methods...

the park HS press plus the king dyes will easily set you back a nice piece of change. I've used mine at least 20 times on my bikes and other friends rides (it's the whore of the tool collection)

[.8down]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

the park HS press plus the king dyes will easily set you back a nice piece of change. I've used mine at least 20 times on my bikes and other friends rides (it's the whore of the tool collection)

the Sette one is 50 and looks to be of similar design. quality? I'm not sure about.

[skate]

Originally Posted by .8down

back to the Crown Race, since we talked about it for a bit did I install this correctly?

Yep, as long as its flush with the top crown.

Originally Posted by OffRoadie

Can you describe this homemade tool?

This is all you need. Basically a long threaded rod, washers and some nuts. if you can find something thicker than washers, but about the same diameter then get those.

the guy in the bay ad machines the two big parts, which works great, but a substitution is possible.

[OffRoadie]

So do you want the washers to be larger than the outer diameter of the headset? How do you make sure they don't go in crooked?

[skate]

Originally Posted by OffRoadie

So do you want the washers to be larger than the outer diameter of the headset? How do you make sure they don't go in crooked?

Basically what the ebay person has done was make a smaller diameter section to fit inside the cup to keep it's alignment. Now if you go the washer route then all you need to do is basically put the cups on and they will sort of fit or catch on the headtube. once pressure is applied and the cups start going in then it will go in evenly. so basically if it starts straight then it will go straight. If it starts at an angle then it will go in at an angle.

Go to the hardware store and see what you can build up simulating what the bay person has. If not then get creative and see what you can piece together.

[92se-r]

Seriously, I tried the washer and bolt method. It sucks IMO compared to just carefully using a rubber mallet. I actually started bending a small lip on one of my headset cups by using the steel washers to press them in. You won't have that problem with the rubber mallet.

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by 92se-r

Seriously, I tried the washer and bolt method. It sucks IMO compared to just carefully using a rubber mallet. I actually started bending a small lip on one of my headset cups by using the steel washers to press them in. You won't have that problem with the rubber mallet.

another option that's worked before for me:

4 large washers
2 large nuts (hehehe- he said "nuts")
1 long bolt (not even going there)
2 pieces of wood carved similar to your headset inside diameter (i think this part is key- these help center it.

aside from the obvious jokes, with this setup, you can actually create a crude HS press for less than $10. the only issue with this method is getting the cups centered when they get pressed into the frame.