…without them special tools what helps you do it. Any tips?

I’ve tried lining it up and smacking it with a hammer but that didn’t work so well.

Cheers in advance
jon

Get a long bolt, screw that in, whack the top of that. Do it straight.

APF

As above, though the special tool does work very well.

+1 and the special tool means you don’t accidentally whack your hand 🙂

I’ve done the long bolt method with mixed success. Sometimes it’s easy and other times it’s a real pain. I think the internal diameter of steerers varies.

I assume it’s urgent? IF not just buy the proper tool <£10 from Superstarcomponents which is probably significantly less than the cost of the forks?

My LBS charges £5 including the new nut, maybe your LBS is a good alternative?

I bought a long threaded bar a washer and nut using them pull the star nut into the steerer from below. Fingers all intact

Great idea Kona tc

i use a piece of shortened broom handle it works fine for me…but sweeping the drive gives me blisters now!

Thanks for the suggestions.

It’s not urgent (given that it’s taken me a month to find the time to get this far!).

Might have a look at getting the tool. I’m sure I’ll use it more than once.

Cheers
jon