Forum menu
Whilst trying to undo topcap above the stem I have realised that the star nut is just revolving inside the steerer tube. In a moment of frustration I decided to try and drill the nut out. Now I have a rounded allen bolt and a selection of blunt drill bits... and the topcap is still in place.
I'm not precious about these parts as they are on a rough bike but I'd really like to know if there is a way to get that topcap off.
Any ideas?
Can you prise it up enough to get a small hacksaw between the topcap and stem, if so' cut through the bolt, take the stem off and wind the bolt out with some molegrips
Drilling it sounds like a good plan but you might have hardened it by now. Good quality 6.5mm drill, push hard, slow speed. Once the head is drilled knock the star nut through.
Cheers guys, I'll try those ideas once have the kids in bed.
Freeze spray to make it brittle then as above
Grind the bolthead, topcap and all, carefully with a mini angle grinder. Then push the starnut through the length of the steerer tube and out. Then fit a Hope head doctor, comes with a shiny new topcap.
Long steel rod through the steerer from underneath, drift it out with a big hammer.
It's out!
Prized it out with a screwdriver in the end.
Thanks for the suggestions!