Cutting Quill Stem
04-26-08, 04:43 PM
#1
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Cutting Quill Stem
need a little advice: Can I cut my quill stem length down to make it fit a short head tube?
I would like this stem to be about 1.5 inches shorter if possible:
Will this maintain its integrity? Or ruin it?
I would like this stem to be about 1.5 inches shorter if possible:
Will this maintain its integrity? Or ruin it?
04-26-08, 04:54 PM
#2
hello
Short head tube?
I've done it. I cut a couple of inches off of a Nitto Technomic stem. You might have to look for a shorter stem bolt too.
I've done it. I cut a couple of inches off of a Nitto Technomic stem. You might have to look for a shorter stem bolt too.
04-26-08, 09:03 PM
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I went for it and documented the whole thing. It totally worked. Here is the DIY:
1) First measure how much you can cut off based on your bolt's threads. You gotta have some threads yo! Bust out a Sharpie and mark up your spot. I made two cuts: the bottom of the stem and then the angle. Hack Saw Duggan that som'biche (use a vice if you got em! otherwise, don't cut off your thumbs).
2) Now use the cut off piece to mark up your angle (do the right side, Cousin).
3) Cut it up like a pro. Start slow and get that cut straight.
4) Damn good.
5) Now break out a block of wood with some sandpaper and clean it up.
7) You got enough threads homie?
8) Clean it up and shred! DWS.
1) First measure how much you can cut off based on your bolt's threads. You gotta have some threads yo! Bust out a Sharpie and mark up your spot. I made two cuts: the bottom of the stem and then the angle. Hack Saw Duggan that som'biche (use a vice if you got em! otherwise, don't cut off your thumbs).
2) Now use the cut off piece to mark up your angle (do the right side, Cousin).
3) Cut it up like a pro. Start slow and get that cut straight.
4) Damn good.
5) Now break out a block of wood with some sandpaper and clean it up.
7) You got enough threads homie?
8) Clean it up and shred! DWS.
04-26-08, 09:19 PM
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Nice job on the stem hacking.
It looks like you have a lot of extra thread on that bolt. If it sticks out beyond below the headtube and interferes with your tire, you'll have to trim it too.
Thread your wedge nut onto that bolt, THEN saw off the extra length of the bolt. AFTER you saw off the extra length from the bolt, Then back the nut off. This will straighten the threads you have just cut.
It looks like you have a lot of extra thread on that bolt. If it sticks out beyond below the headtube and interferes with your tire, you'll have to trim it too.
Thread your wedge nut onto that bolt, THEN saw off the extra length of the bolt. AFTER you saw off the extra length from the bolt, Then back the nut off. This will straighten the threads you have just cut.
04-26-08, 09:21 PM
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Good call on the bolt. Mine wasn't in the way so I just left it on. Cheers.
02-28-10, 01:43 AM
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Just wondering what grit would be best for sanding this. I cut my stem just like in the example above and it is a little off so I need to sand it down but need to grab some paper tomorrow from the hardware store. I don't have a power sander so just wondering what would be best to do this by hand. I think I got it a little off and the angle is too high, not sure if that would make a difference or not, I checked the length and that is cut just right so hopefully I can get it sanded correctly so I don't have to grab another stem. I tried tightening down the stem tonight and it would not stay in place so I kept trying and snapped the bolt so I gotta pick up one of those tomorrow too. Can I grab a bolt like that at the hardware store or do I need to find a bike shop to get one?
02-28-10, 01:49 AM
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Just thought of this but maybe I just just grab a metal file when I go to the hardware store. That would probably work I think. I couldn't think of the name of it at first, its been a while since I was in high school metal shop.
02-28-10, 04:42 AM
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02-28-10, 10:28 AM
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02-28-10, 11:17 AM
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Bastard cut's the file to use on ally.
Wouldn't recommend that with an ally nut. Clean it up with a file instead.
Wouldn't recommend that with an ally nut. Clean it up with a file instead.
02-28-10, 12:13 PM
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There's no need to be precise with the angle of the cut. Anything close to the original angle will work fine. Anybody who says different hasn't tried it.
02-28-10, 01:14 PM
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Allowing that angle to vary sounds like it might compromise the already crappy holding power of the wedge/stem interface with the steerer
02-28-10, 01:21 PM
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this gives me an idea! thanks pazzmore and roadfix.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
