I just cant seem to get them in straight – any tips? Or should I just buy the tool.

Ta

buy the tool.

or use the bung type.

Use a socket set.

Bash it in and to straighten it up, put the headset preload bolt in and tap that with a mallet in the right direction util it’s straight. It worked for me.

Throw it in the bin and get a Hed Doctor?

Socket +1

or long bolt and a large washer and pull the bugger in 😉

what ski said

Screwdriver passed through the centre of the nut so the screw driver handle rests against the nut, point into steerer….gently tap end of screw driver handle with hammer….always seats the nut perfectly when i’ve done it.

The screw driver handle does need to be narrower than the steerer for this to work as it will need to pass into the steerer a small amount.

Do NOT get a Hed Doctor. Total rubbish.

Throw it in the bin and get a Hed Doctor?

whatever you do don’t do this

whatever you do don’t do this

fistbump

I have a socket that fits quite well- they go in straight enough.
I think its about a 10mm but might be smaller- needs to be small enough to just cover the centre of the sfn and big enough for the bolt to go through.
The one “specialist tool” I’ve managed without for 15+ yrs of bike tinkering is a SFN setter.

If you have an old caliper brake block in the bottom of your toolbox you can screw the post of this into the wonky SFN and tap it straight.

Get one of these

I’ve used both the socket method and the tap it in via the bolt way as well. Both have worked fine.
Can I ask why the venom toward the Hed Doctor ? That’s what I now have and all seems well.

Never had an issue with Head Doctors.
Can’t say the same for fitting star fangled nuts. Last time there was much socket, lump hammer and swearing going on.

A 10p piece fit perfectly in the steerer. A wooden dowel and rubber mallet does the rest.