Bike Forums

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)
-   Bicycle Mechanics (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/)
-   -   Facing a head tube *without* the proper tools (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/39534-facing-head-tube-without-proper-tools.html)

Fugazi Dave 10-19-03 07:02 PM

Facing a head tube *without* the proper tools
 
So I'm working on building a new fixie, and I need to re-face the head tube before I put on the new headset and fork. However, I refuse to pay outrageous amounts of money for the *official* reaming and facing tool. Just not an option right now. So what I'm hoping is that somebody here might have some tips on re-facing a head tube using normal hand tools like a bastard file. Ideas? Thanks.

BAC5.2 10-19-03 07:35 PM

Take it to the LBS.

Sorry man, no way to cheap it out. You either do it correctly with the proper tools, or you don't face the headtube. Simple as that...

Fugazi Dave 10-19-03 07:40 PM

Nuts.

BAC5.2 10-19-03 08:06 PM

Costs 10 bucks to get it faced by a shop.

Kev 10-19-03 08:13 PM

I agree with the others take it to your LBS it will be cheap to do, and why risk ruining your whole frame to save a couple dollars.

stinkyonions 10-19-03 08:21 PM

i pressed my headset with my "ghetto tool" contraption to save myself $30. but i would definitely not risky facing my headtube on my own. busty a frame would only make the situation worse. maybe check if there is anyone near you that could help or just buy the mechanics pizza and beer. that might work.

fore 10-19-03 08:52 PM


Originally Posted by stinkyonions
just buy the mechanics pizza and beer.


that stereotype gets me every time because it's so true. offer me a pizza and a six pack and i'll overhaul your whole bike. only during the summer though. during the winter months i (though i'm not trying to speak for all mechanics) definitely need the money, as nice as a 6er of PBR sounds right about now.

BAC5.2 10-19-03 09:12 PM

*yuck* PBR? You definately have low beer standards for working, lol.

Speaking of beer though, I could really go for a Heinekin or a Coors right about now... mmmm....

jcivic00 10-19-03 10:10 PM

get me a Killian's while you're up.

Grendel 10-19-03 11:33 PM

Look at it this way -- if the head tube needs to be faced then it needs to be faced properly with the right tools -- trying to wing it by attempting the job with the wrong tools will probably result in a messed-up headset unless you're real good or real lucky. The tools to do it right cost a bunch; the labor cost to have your LBS do it is a fraction of the tool cost. This one's a no-brainer even for those of us who like to do our own work -- it's not like you have to do this very often, so the economics of DIY never really catch up in this case given the tooling cost.

fore 10-20-03 12:22 AM


Originally Posted by BAC5.2
*yuck* PBR? You definately have low beer standards for working, lol.

Speaking of beer though, I could really go for a Heinekin or a Coors right about now... mmmm....

PBR is my standby when i want something cheap. it really beats the crap out of other cheap beers, in my humble opinion. but if i've got more than a few bucks burning a hole in my pocket (yeah, right) i'm all about making use of the many fine microbreweries within riding distance of my house.

Lakefront Brewery
Milwaukee Ale House
Water Street Brewery

there's more but i'm lazy.

BAC5.2 10-20-03 12:44 AM

I agree. I'd rather have a PBR than a Natty-Bo.

stinkyonions 10-20-03 12:35 PM

it's about about the 250 bottles of arrowhead water i have in my room.

ljbike 10-20-03 01:54 PM

Please don't come to my shop with pizza & beer. Don't like pizza, never drink beer. However, if you stop by with a bottle of 12 year old single malt scotch, I'll face your head tube, install your HS and give you $0.25 change.

miamijim 10-20-03 04:26 PM

Facing a headtube does 2 things, it cuts both surfaces so they are in parralel planes and it cuts the inside of the tube so its perfectly round. LBS.

Never really grew to like beer.....I'll take a Michelob ultra on occasion with a blackend chicken breast sandwich topped with a tomato slice, lettuce, and melted swiss....

keithnordstrom 10-20-03 07:37 PM

heh looks like it's been said already, but i need posts so ... don't even *consider* facing anything without the proper tool, saving the $10-$20 in labor will most likely cost you whatever you paid for that frame.

OB1knobe 10-25-03 12:01 PM

Hey Fugazi Dave! Why do you think you need to re-face the head-tube? This kind of job gets done when the frame is new. It rarely has to be redone. Don't forget that every time this is done it reduces the length of your head tube a bit and effects the 'stack' height. Do it often enough and you need a new frame for reasons that should be obvious. If it's just paint that is the problem just clean it up with a sharp edge, sand-paper and elbow grease. But work carefully of course. It's often when this sort of thing gets botched up that you need to re-face the head. However, if it HAS to be re-faced then the other guys are right on. Get it done correctly with the right tool, there is no other way.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:58 PM.


Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.