Bicycle Mechanics - Trouble with removing 1" headset

I'm trying to remove a 1" headset with the Park tool PT-RT1 but everytime i push the remover up the headtube, the metal part that is slitted will start to curve inwards, and then once the split ends of the tool are all the way up the headtube, they do not meet with the bearing cups because they're curved inwards. What's the deal ???

Hard to say given the vague description. It sounds like you're doing it backwards.

let me clarify then:

To remove the bottom bearing cup, I insert the end of the tool that is flat and used for hammering on, UP through the head tube. I expect the split ends that are following to catch on the inner bearing cup so that I can hammer downwards to pop out the headset. This is not happening because the split ends that are following end up curving inwards as the tool goes up the headtube.

The flat end goes in first. You are doing it correctly. The end of the tool should obviously clear the cup. Once that happens the split ends will expand in the headtube and you will hear an audible click and be able to visually check that the ends now rest on the edge of the cup inside the headtube.

Hammer carefully and the cup will drop out.

Please read this: http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65

I'm trying to remove a 1" headset with the Park tool PT-RT1 but everytime i push the remover up the headtube, the metal part that is slitted will start to curve inwards, and then once the split ends of the tool are all the way up the headtube, they do not meet with the bearing cups because they're curved inwards. What's the deal ???

What kind of bike??? I ask because some bikes - specifically Cannondales - have head tubes that are significantly reamed at both ends to accept the cups (think integrated headsets), AND, as a result, the inside surface of the cups are pretty much in line with the inner surface of the head tube. So, what happens is that it's very easy for the legs of the "rocket" type cup removers (like the RT-1) to just slide right by the cups and they don't get punched out. Sometimes you have to just go at it with a big screwdriver and hammer. I really dislike doing this, but it is what it is. Sometimes sharpenning up the edges on the RT-1 will help do the trick. If it's a tool that's seen a lot of action, it may not work.

stop messing around with it if it doesnt fit, and make your own.

here http://davesbikeblog.blogspot.com/2007/06/headset-removal-and-replacement.html

stop messing around with it if it doesnt fit, and make your own.

here http://davesbikeblog.blogspot.com/2007/06/headset-removal-and-replacement.html

Nice link ;-))) Everyone should pay attention to Dave Moulton. Dave really knows his sh1t ;-)

the park tool is very hard to feed thru a 1" headset.

Please read this: http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65

Those were the directions that I followed and the tool didn't catch on the headset cups as I said in my post. IF you read carefully, my post describing what I did matches almost exactly the park tool instructions.

the park tool is very hard to feed thru a 1" headset.

I agree :(

I don't want to take a hammer and punch to a chris king :(. what you describe is pretty much my situation though.

it will go thru, just not easily.

the park tool is very hard to feed thru a 1" headset.
Most current "rocket tools", including Park's, are made to use with 1-1/8", and even 1-1/4" headtubes so they are going to be a tight fit in a 1" headtube.

Those were the directions that I followed and the tool didn't catch on the headset cups as I said in my post. IF you read carefully, my post describing what I did matches almost exactly the park tool instructions.

Apparently I didn't read properly, that's what I get for trying to help. You're on your own.

Most current "rocket tools", including Park's, are made to use with 1-1/8", and even 1-1/4" headtubes so they are going to be a tight fit in a 1" headtube.

http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=50&item=RT%2D1

Fits 1”, 1-1/8” and 1-1/4” headsets.

what makes it harder, is Kings bearings being in the cups.
I don't think he is getting it all the way past the bearing to the lip of the cup.

Or his headtube is so short the other cup bearing is compressing his tool.

you could try this. you can buy them at your local hardware store or order them from biketoolsect.com
Item #UB-CLIPS: .Inserted in to the headtube on top of the lip of the headset cup, these cir-clips improve the connection between the head race remover and the headset cup. The clips also protect alloy headset cups from damage. Kit includes 5 clips: 1" (2), 1 1/8" (2), and 1 1/4" (1).</B>

you could try this. you can buy them at your local hardware store or order them from biketoolsect.com
Item #UB-CLIPS: .Inserted in to the headtube on top of the lip of the headset cup, these cir-clips improve the connection between the head race remover and the headset cup. The clips also protect alloy headset cups from damage. Kit includes 5 clips: 1" (2), 1 1/8" (2), and 1 1/4" (1).</B>


awesome ! that should work perfectly. thanks!

http://www.parktool.com/products/detail.asp?cat=50&item=RT%2D1

Fits 1”, 1-1/8” and 1-1/4” headsets.

what makes it harder, is Kings bearings being in the cups.
I don't think he is getting it all the way past the bearing to the lip of the cup.

Or his headtube is so short the other cup bearing is compressing his tool.

yep, short headtube. i think the headset removing accessory will help a lot. thanks for everyone's help!

you could try this. you can buy them at your local hardware store or order them from biketoolsect.com
Item #UB-CLIPS: .Inserted in to the headtube on top of the lip of the headset cup, these cir-clips improve the connection between the head race remover and the headset cup. The clips also protect alloy headset cups from damage. Kit includes 5 clips: 1" (2), 1 1/8" (2), and 1 1/4" (1).</B>


Very nice find! I have spent many, many hours on biketoolsetc and never noticed those babies. What a simple and elegant solution. Thank you, bikeman ;-))

you could try this. you can buy them at your local hardware store or order them from biketoolsect.com
Item #UB-CLIPS: .Inserted in to the headtube on top of the lip of the headset cup, these cir-clips improve the connection between the head race remover and the headset cup. The clips also protect alloy headset cups from damage. Kit includes 5 clips: 1" (2), 1 1/8" (2), and 1 1/4" (1).</B>


For those who couldn't find it, here's a direct link:
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?&d=single&item_id=UB-CLIPS
http://www.biketoolsetc.com/Product_Images/UB-CLIPS.jpg
The Bike Tools Etc folks have done right by me several times. I'm repaying the favor.

yes The Bike Tool Etc folks are Great ! They have help me alot in the past years of service.