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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Park makes a thicker wrench especially for the locknut: http://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?

that wrench fits pretty sloppy too, but it works better than the thin ones because there is more contact points.

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.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/...d56eb1eeb2.jpg