frantik

I have a 1" threaded headset with a lockring with 3 notches in it. What tool do I need to loosen this lockring?

I have a large lockring spanner but it's too large and won't stay in the notches. ideally i'd like to buy one with three prongs since the single hook lockring tools are kind of a pain to use

thanks

400trix

I use the Hozan lock ring wrench with those things. Sometimes you need to put an allen key between the wrench and the ring to expand the effective diameter of the lock ring.

fietsbob

a hook spanner, made for that purpose, ideally.. small cold chisel and a hammer if you are replacing the piece..

frantik

yes, I'm asking what brand name/part number of the tool made for this purpose

Continuity

Check here - it'll give you an idea as to what's available.

davidad

? https://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cg...item_id=CA-712

frantik

thanks.. wish that Park tool SPA-3 was still available.. the lockring pliers look promising too though

JohnDThompson 

Lockring pliers don't work with an odd number of notches. Something like this ought to work, though:

bikesniffer

A pair of channel locks will do it. Once you spin it off, replace it with a 5mm x1"headset spacer. the lockring is redundant.

Airburst

Only if there's also a conventional lockring above it. As I recall, last time I saw a headset with a lockring like that, there wasn't.

frantik

most headsets i've seen have a nut on top that serves as the lockring, then a washer, then the upper cup of the headset. this one has the nut + spacers + lockring + cup. it does seem like the lockring is redundant.. i may just go over to the LBS and have them remove it and get a spacer. i was thinking of ordering the tool so i could service the headset in the future but just ditching the lockring sounds a lot better

this is what the headset i'm working with looks like (i think this is the same exact model of headset actually)

Airburst

Oops, that should've read "only if there's a conventional locknut on top of it", my bad. This is why I shouldn't post before I've had caffeine. I can't see how the lockring is necessary if there's also a nut, I've never had a headset that didn't have one come loose, even on a mountain bike.

JohnDThompson 

The lockring isn't required. These are usually found on bikes with centerpull brakes, as it allows the headset adjustment to be maintained more easily when a cable hanger is installed under the top locknut.

bikesniffer

Thanks mr thompson for the bit of knowledge as to why lockrings are on some headsets.

frantik

ah, that makes a lot of sense luckily for me the cable hanger built into the stem