Originally Posted by xenologer

not clear to me why it is suggested that you need a headset spacer
sounds like you're having problems properly attaching the quill stem
not a headset problem

2 possibilities come to mind;
stem is not inserted enough
stem is inserted too far

more likely the first case I'd say
on the side of the quill stem there should be markings -look close through the paint
this is the minimum safe insertion marking
the stem must be inserted into the steerer tube far enough to cover this marking
otherwise, insecure attachment, death, etc



-i'm assuming that weak hands unable too turn wrench isnt the problem here