Hi there
I am trying to install a Works Components -1 degree headset into an old 2015 Transition Scout. I've got the old (Hope) headset cups out fine but finding it tricky to install the new cups.
There is very little taper on the potion of the cups that go into the frame which is making it tricky to start it off straight. I put one cup in the right place then use my AliExpress headset press but as I start to wind it in it goes at an angle and I don't want to damage the frame. When I then remove it there is a tiny hair of metal where it has dug in. Should I just go for it and it will drag itself into alignment or am I missing some useful knack to start it off parallel to the frame?
Any advice appreciated!
Get it started then don't be afraid to tap it in straight. Once straight put the press back in, then finish off 👍
So use a soft faced hammer to straighten after an initial twist of the press?
Stick the headset in the freezer for a few hours then retry when it's cold.
I don't know what an Ali Express headset press is like but I've never had any trouble with a bench vice, big flat surface works really well. Might be stating the obvious but do one cup at a time
I had similar issues with an angle adjust headset and a headset press, I just kept going and managed to use mallet in the end to assist the press. In hindsight I think cutting an angled bit of wood so the press sits at the correct angle for the headset would have been the better idea. I was a little worried about damaging the head tube.
So use a soft faced hammer to straighten after an initial twist of the press?
Yeah. I do it all the time. Never had a problem.
As mentioned above. One cup at a time
Make sure your doing one cup at a time - the 'flat' face of the opposite end of the headtube should be used to keep the tool perpendicular.
I always rubber mallet mine. Yeah you can hurt the frame if you do it wrong enough but frankly anyone that can do that, can probably get it wrong enough with a headset tool or anything else. Block of wood on the other side, and whatever you feel like you need to do to keep it steady.
And yep as snotrag said one side at a time, just keep the variables down.
Recently replaced the headset in a 28 year old steel frame. The ****ting it in with a rubber mallet technique worked fine for me
Take a file or sandpaper and take the edge off / give it a slight taper.
Yeah last one I did was super tight and was going in squint with my home made headset press. In the end, with my son holding the frame, head tube on the work bench piece of wood, rubber mallet and ****ting it worked a treat.
I'm not sure I've ever used my headset press successfully.....
Cheap headset press. Game changer.
I have that cheap headset press and a retro 1.125" high quality one. Neither have made it a job I enjoyed!
Glad to see its not just me that fits headsets with a piece of wood and a hammer. Fitted two Works anglesets like this with no issues.
Definitely recommend a mallet for angle adjust headsets. Alignment is key and getting them not to twist when you install with a press is almost impossible ime.
Tap 'em in, but doesn't hurt to freeze too.
Emboldened by your advice I went for the freeze and tap method! Success it is in! Thanks for the advice all.