Originally Posted by
bicyclepost
The wedge was definitely in backwards. I've cleaned it up but the end of the stem is rough. I live in an apartment and don't have any tools to cut the stem. Do you think I could just sand this with lots of manual labour?
I think this stem can still be used. Just clean up the outer edges and the face where the wedge slides against the stem. It may be a bit of work because the stem is probably steel. If it's aluminum, it will be a bit easier. Be sure to use plenty of lube (I just use ordinary grease) when you reassemble.