As the title really. I need to replace my tapered headset and my lbs hinted that I need to use a press. Are they right, or trying to get some extra cash from me?
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Do you need a headset press when installing a new headset?
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Posted 1 year ago #
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You don't need one but it is far more accurate, and easier with one.
Posted 1 year ago # -
It can be done with care using a bit of wood and a hammer.
But a press is better; buy a headset at your LBS and they'll do it for you free or for very little £££.
Posted 1 year ago # -
you can bodge it with a hammer and some soft wood.
you can get a proper tool, but unless you're fitting a lot of headsets, that's quite an outlay.
Or there's a myriad on in between options; I for example have a home made press with a length of threaded bar and a selection of large nuts and washers, total price under £2 from the local fixings shop.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Rubber mallet does the job if you're not planning on doing it on a regular basis.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Get a DIY job - 2 thick chunks of wood, a long threaded bolt (that is longer than the 2 chunks of wood and your steerer, 2 very large washers and 2 very large wingnuts - drill hole in chunks of wood and you can thread everything down steerer and turn wingnuts to clamp the cups.
Alternatively, hammer and single chunk of wood and do each side.
Headset press is most accurate but isn't essential (although it would be my preferred method as any inaccuracies will be felt in the steering).
Posted 1 year ago # -
one big accurate hammer blow should do it.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Had this dilemma recently and tried the DIY Home made press route but no matter how I tried I couldn't get the headset cups to go in square. Eventually went to LBS as I didn't want to damge the frame
Posted 1 year ago # -
damo2576 - Member
one big accurate hammer blow should do it.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Alternative DIY method is gain 2 blocks of wood, but this time squashed in with a G-clamp.
Chopping block, lump of wood and mallet have also been employed.edit: or the big vice at work
Posted 1 year ago # -
Bangit with a nammer
Posted 1 year ago # -
I've got a homemade one, which is just as good as my "proper" one, but the last time I fitted a headset I still used a rubber mallet and some wood.
Yes it can go wrong, just like anything else if you do it badly
Posted 1 year ago # -
I used the hammer and wood method recently with great success. I also found that clamping it down with a wood working clamp worked just as well.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Threaded bar, a couple of suitably sized sockets (the spanner type) and a couple of big nuts with washers. Works great.
To remove headsets, I have an old alu seatpost that I stick down the headtube and bash with a mallet. Keeps damage to a minimum.Posted 1 year ago # -
if your North London based I have a proper headset press you can borrow?
Makes the job easy peasy...
Posted 1 year ago # -
Thanks for the offer psychle, but I live in the Midlands. I'd not thought about using all thread, and either wood or a couple of sockets. Cheers for the good ideas chaps!
Posted 1 year ago #
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