headset adjustment
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: berkeley, ca
Posts: 36
Bikes: olmo equipe, bridgestone 400 rebuild
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
headset adjustment
so I just installed a new headset, after lots of prep work (facing, having the steering tube milled to fit a smaller crown race), and I have another question...
why does my brand new 32mm "lazer precision" park tools headset wrench fit all loose and sloppy on my 32mm headset lock nut? it is so loose that it was impossible to tighten the nut down without totally chewing up the edges of the nut. using my callipers, the "lazer cut" park tool measured 32.2mm, and the tange headset nut just about 32.0. Is this normal? I found it really annoying that my expensive new tool didn't *quite* fit my new headset.
why does my brand new 32mm "lazer precision" park tools headset wrench fit all loose and sloppy on my 32mm headset lock nut? it is so loose that it was impossible to tighten the nut down without totally chewing up the edges of the nut. using my callipers, the "lazer cut" park tool measured 32.2mm, and the tange headset nut just about 32.0. Is this normal? I found it really annoying that my expensive new tool didn't *quite* fit my new headset.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,191
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 114 Post(s)
Liked 119 Times
in
92 Posts
I wish I had my Machinery's Handbook to check permissible tolerance on wrench openings.
.2mm = .00787". That doesn't seem too loose for a 32mm ( 1.26") nut.
.2mm = .00787". That doesn't seem too loose for a 32mm ( 1.26") nut.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 111
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I hate this also. That's about 8 thousandths, if you have some old automotive feeler guages laying around you can cut one (prefer brass) to use as a gap filler. If you use a .003" or .004" cut just the width of the nut, and wrap it round both flats to protect the finish. What ever size works, really.
Also, I feel headsets are often overtightened, and sometimes just an extra tweek past snug is plenty if everything is clean and serviceable. Then, just re-check after one or two rides.
Also, I feel headsets are often overtightened, and sometimes just an extra tweek past snug is plenty if everything is clean and serviceable. Then, just re-check after one or two rides.
Last edited by duckforcover; 10-01-10 at 11:34 PM. Reason: finish thot
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: berkeley, ca
Posts: 36
Bikes: olmo equipe, bridgestone 400 rebuild
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
yeah I agree...I mean it doesn't seem like much but it still was noticeably loose so it just made me wonder if the headsets tend to run a little off or whether you don't actually use a cone wrench like that on the locking nut, or if it is just normal to kind of chew up the finish on the nut. maybe my wrenching technique is bad...
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: berkeley, ca
Posts: 36
Bikes: olmo equipe, bridgestone 400 rebuild
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I always feel like I'm over-tightning too, but if I don't they seem to come loose very quickly. I actually find that I have to over-tighten the adjustable cup and then back it off against the locknut and keyed washer.
#6
I'm Carbon Curious
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,190
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Park makes a thicker wrench especially for the locknut: https://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.a...m=041586068200
So much better than user the thinner ones. I never have problems with it slipping. Maybe you can return your wrench and get this one?
So much better than user the thinner ones. I never have problems with it slipping. Maybe you can return your wrench and get this one?
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: boston, ma
Posts: 2,896
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Park makes a thicker wrench especially for the locknut: https://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.a...m=041586068200
So much better than user the thinner ones. I never have problems with it slipping. Maybe you can return your wrench and get this one?
So much better than user the thinner ones. I never have problems with it slipping. Maybe you can return your wrench and get this one?
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 111
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I clipped this idea for you from a repair book, just use 2 pieces of masking tape and make some reference marks with a ball point pen. It helps you remember the position when you loosen and retighten.