Swapping some forks around and wondering if its worth investing in a crown race removal tool for about £20 or whether I should just go for it with a flat headed screwdriver and a hammer…

Only done it once a long time ago and it wasn’t pretty. Any pearls of wisdom STW’ers?

I bought one after managing for over 2 decades without one and I wish I hadn’t. It scalped a bit of metal from the crown steerer of my boxxers.

A bit of careful whacking with a suitable screwdriver i.e. one with a broad but thin blade and a hammer will do the job every time for no outlay as I am sure you already have these in your tool box.

EDIT: Got confused I used a mallet and screwdriver too.

Stanley blade/electrical screwdriver/a bit thicker and so on. Always works for me – well about 25+. Slow but firm guidance working it wider around in circles.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Think I’ll save myself some money and just go the old fashioned route! Cheers

I start with a knife until I can get a screwdriver blade in there.

These days I try and buy headsets with split crown races, not easy with all these different standards, Hope seem to always do them tho. definitely a must if you like swapping forks around, I’ve got 3 sets of forks for one bike. 🙄

I’ve never had a problem with screwdriver and hammer.

When putting back on again I use a big adjustable spanner round the steerer, so I can hammer the flat side of the spanner and the crown race goes on symmetrically. Some of my pals have bought long bits of pipe.

Ive used a blow torch to heat it gently to get them on and off. Makes it very easy and has never caused any damage