Bicycle Mechanics - Dented rims -- use hammer?

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godspiral
07-13-06, 01:40 PM
I have some 27" chrome rims on a bike I got recently.
The wheels are true, but they have some dents in them that point outwards.

Can this be caused by tire pressure that is too high? Spokes that are not tight enough? Its possible that these dents have appeared in the little time that I've had the bike... and it took a while before I realized I had some loose spokes.

The only performance problem I notice is that I'm pretty sure the dents are eating through my brake pads.

How can I iron out the rims?

genericbikedude
07-13-06, 02:56 PM
Steel rims? Use a caliper brake toe-in tool. I have broken aluminum rims trying the same thing. Be careful.
Mchaz
07-13-06, 03:58 PM
Those dents can also be caused by riding on a flat tire. I have straightened dents like that before using some pliers. Just make sure to pad the jaws with a rag, cardboard, ect.

Bikewer
07-13-06, 06:20 PM
I recently smoothed one out by using a piece of hardwood 1"X2" as a "pad", whanging rather gently with a small hammer. Patience.
cerewa
07-13-06, 06:28 PM
Riding on low pressure or a flat tire is usually what causes that problem.
godspiral
07-13-06, 06:37 PM
Those dents can also be caused by riding on a flat tire. I have straightened dents like that before using some pliers. Just make sure to pad the jaws with a rag, cardboard, ect.

does that mean low spoke tension can also cause this? I'm assuming high tire pressure is not really likely.

ty for the tip on pliers. I have a heavy duty plumber's pipe wrench. I can probably squeeze it without dismounting the tire.