Bicycle Mechanics - Installing a star nut

Hey all.

Another quick question. Is there any way of installing a star nut other than using a star nut installer? I am going to install a star nut underneath my fork so I can attach a fender. I don't have a star nut installer or I would use it, so if there is no other way I will get my LBS to do it. I would rather do it my damn self. Any help. THanX

I did this successfully twice, out of about 5 attempts, so use caution.

I found the best way to do it is to find a bolt that threads into the star nut. Thread that in part way and use that to keep the star nut straight during installation. I used a couple of hits without the bolt to get it started, then straightened it up using the bolt, then continued tapping it in using a small screwdriver and kept moving around the star nut.

Good Luck

BTW, if you decide to take into the shop, the whole process shouldn't take more than a minute to do. Bring the mechanic a soda and see if you do it for you "Gratis".

L8R

I used a heavier headed hammer and a socket and installed it on a carpeted floor. Tapped it a few times to get it started. It went in a little crooked but tapped some more on it with a screwdriver and it straightened out enough. Be careful not to go too deep with the star nut or the bolt won't thread. I was about 1/32 to 1/16 inch too deep to get it far enough threaded into the star nut, but fortunately the headset adjusting collars were carbon, so I was able to scrape one of them on a flat sidewalk to grind it down evenly to reinstall the headset. I know the star nut won't come back out the top as deep as it went in and I was able to thread deep enough into the nut so it won't loosen up during a ride. That's the key to a proper installation, the right depth for the star nut and it going in and aligning straight enough.

Yeah, realize the thread is from 2002, but just adding another method. I got mine to go the first time, a little better than 2 of 5 from the prior post.

That's great that you had success. *Cough* Cough* Sorry, that just me coughing up a storm from the eight year old digital dust. I just have to turn on the fan to air my monitor out.

Ok for historical input , since this an antique post..
Making a insertion tool from the hardware store..

if you can find a few appropriate fender washers and some nuts ...
on a long bolt , the deal is getting it in square..
so if there is a way to guide the thing in far enough, and keep it perpendicular... to the tube

a few washers which fit inside the ID of the tube. and you may be OK, they will align things a bit
one on top wide enough to span the end of the steerer
would guide how deep you are pushing the star nut ..

Only need a bout 3/4 of an inch...