I'm hacksawing handlebars
02-27-06, 11:58 AM
#1
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I'm hacksawing handlebars
Just a quick question before I begin trimming my handlebars with a hacksaw: Do I need to be aware of any difference when sawing through alloy versus steel?
Thanks.
Thanks.
02-27-06, 12:02 PM
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Just curious - why? I've cut both steel and alum alloy. The Alum is softer or are you talking CrMo - it might be a little harder than a milder steel but I wouldn't think much different.
Joe
Joe
02-27-06, 12:05 PM
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Alloy is easier to saw. Make sure you file these sharp ends when done before mounting grips or bar ends.
02-27-06, 12:05 PM
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You might want to try a tube cutter used to cut copper water supply lines. It worked great on the alloy handlebars for the hybrid and left a really nice looking, straight edge.
02-27-06, 12:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Ranman
You might want to try a tube cutter used to cut copper water supply lines. It worked great on the alloy handlebars for the hybrid and left a really nice looking, straight edge.
02-27-06, 12:16 PM
#6
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Thanks to everyone for the quick, helpful replies. I don't have a tube cutter but my hardware store might do this for me.
Joeprim: I ride a fixie and I like the way shortened flat bars look with grips. Plus, I run a brake lever that doesn't easily clamp to mountain bars unless mounted near the stem; hence, I want to move my hand closer to the lever. What more, the bars cost me just $10, NOS. Call me crazy and vain!
Dave
Joeprim: I ride a fixie and I like the way shortened flat bars look with grips. Plus, I run a brake lever that doesn't easily clamp to mountain bars unless mounted near the stem; hence, I want to move my hand closer to the lever. What more, the bars cost me just $10, NOS. Call me crazy and vain!
Dave
02-27-06, 12:18 PM
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Hey you like what you like who else cares. When you file the handle bar ends after you cut them off put chalk on the file it makes getting the file clean easier.
Joe
Joe
02-27-06, 01:15 PM
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Tubing cutters work well on straight wall tubes like water pipes and fork steerers. If the handlebars are at all tapered at the point they are being shortened, the cutter will "walk" as it is turned and won't make a straight cut. A hacksaw, used properly, is a better bet for this.
02-27-06, 02:31 PM
#9
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One thing I have found helpful in cutting tubing "straighter" with a hacksaw id getting a hose clap of the approiate size, clamp it on the tubing and then cut next to it using it as a guide. Cut several frametubes for a recumbent I am building this way over the weekend. Cut the time filing ends square to almost nothing. YMMV
02-27-06, 03:03 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by imabeliever1
One thing I have found helpful in cutting tubing "straighter" with a hacksaw id getting a hose clap of the approiate size, clamp it on the tubing and then cut next to it using it as a guide. Cut several frametubes for a recumbent I am building this way over the weekend. Cut the time filing ends square to almost nothing. YMMV
