I’m coming up for swapping some forks around, and am fed up with having to take them to the LBS to have crown races removed / fitted, so I’m thinking of getting the tools to the job myself.

Anyone used these tools / got any recommendations?

Cheers

i use a piece of plasic pipe for installation, been cut flat and is the perfect diameter to go over the forks but stil on the crown race…. was free too.

Thanks – what size pipe did you use?

I use the plastic pipe for fitting and one of these for removal Ice Tool CR Remover
It’s really rather good and makes it much easier that the old screwdiver method

Thanks – I was thinking along those lines – cheers for the confirmation.

The Cyclus fitting tool works fine and is not too expensive

Heat the crown race in boiling water – makes it go on easier.

I have never had any issue removing them with a screwdriver

I do a similar thing to TJ but I heat the race with a blowtorch. Not too much mind otherwise it gets too hot and discolours and isn’t good for the structure of the metal I imagine. But after heating I pick it up between thumb and forefinger using a very big pair of welding gauntlets and place it on. Don’t just drop it over the tube because it will end up very crooked on the steerer and you’ll have to knock it off as it will cool quickly. Works like a dream. Not recommended for carbon steerers!

I bought one on these (not from here but this is an example) http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=14647

I used it the other day for the first time it was excellent wish I’d got one sooner would have saved a heap of faff.

I saw that on cyclestore the other day, you’ve reminded me. It’s a bearing separator. Perfect application of an existing tool.

I bodged a crown race removal “tool” with some garden shears, some cable ties and hammer. Worked well.

standard plumbing waste pipe for putting on.

A kitchen knife blade on for the removal, the bevel is just perfect to ease it up far enough and then tap it off with a screwdriver

Get a Hope headset with the split crown race locator.

Get a few spare crown race locators, problem solved. I use Hope headsets exclusively now because I like swapping forks (even though I have the tools).

THIS is a simmillar tool to the Ice Tools one, but a nit cheaper.

Kitchen waste pipe for installation, or a really thick cardboard tube from a roll of pallet wrap cling film. Exactly the right diameter, and around five mill thick. I use a screwdriver for removal, but one that has the corners rounded off so there’s no gouging of the alloy.

takisawa2, that tool you found on ebay, will that could remove a crown race, how ?, it really looks odd !!!

I can see how it might work, but I am wondering, takisawa2, has it got the right sort of edge to lift the crown race?

I have one of those HILKA tools from the bay. It worked fine. Best fiver I’ve spent in a while.