Twisting a CroMo Stem?
03-15-16, 10:03 AM
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Twisting a CroMo Stem?
Hi,
I am asking this here as Frame-builders would know how to manipulate metal.
I have a Cromo stem (130mm Velocity brand). The clamp part is not level, It dips to one side i.e. It is rotated slightly on the longitudinal axis. (This may be due to a crash as the bars that were on it are also not straight. Also because It is unlikely they got past Velocity's quality control that way.).
So I was wondering: is possible to twist it back to normal? For instance, clamp a handlebar, then slip another tube over it to extend the leverage....then force down on one side, up on the other.
Or any other methods?
My Concerns are these:
Would the twist weaken the weld area? or the stem body?
Would heating it make a difference?
How hot does it need to be? (I would like to conserve the painted finish....)
Thanks for reading.
I am asking this here as Frame-builders would know how to manipulate metal.
I have a Cromo stem (130mm Velocity brand). The clamp part is not level, It dips to one side i.e. It is rotated slightly on the longitudinal axis. (This may be due to a crash as the bars that were on it are also not straight. Also because It is unlikely they got past Velocity's quality control that way.).
So I was wondering: is possible to twist it back to normal? For instance, clamp a handlebar, then slip another tube over it to extend the leverage....then force down on one side, up on the other.
Or any other methods?
My Concerns are these:
Would the twist weaken the weld area? or the stem body?
Would heating it make a difference?
How hot does it need to be? (I would like to conserve the painted finish....)
Thanks for reading.
03-15-16, 02:39 PM
#2
Decrepit Member
What you are suggesting is cold setting chromoly alloy steel, which shouldn't be a problem if the extension doesn't have to be twisted very much to get the clamp area back to level, but there are a lot of details that may complicate things. Is it a quill stem for a threaded steerer, or is it threadless? Is the handlebar clamp area part of the stem, e.g. forged as a single piece, or is the handlebar clamp welded or brazed to the forward extension?
How about posting a detailed photo? How many degrees (angular) is the clamp area twisted out of alignment?
How about posting a detailed photo? How many degrees (angular) is the clamp area twisted out of alignment?
03-15-16, 04:00 PM
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are you putting this on a bike for someone you don't like?
03-15-16, 05:41 PM
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It certainly would be easier and safer just to get a new stem.
03-15-16, 07:27 PM
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It is a quill stem that is going on my own beater bike. It is welded at either end.
Do I like me? That's a good question....Ha ha...Either way crashing is inconvenient.
I would not like to buy a new one because this bike has to be as low cost as possible, and also 1" long stem quills are hard to find.
Anyway it is a very slight twist. at the end of a 60cm bar it translates into maybe 1 cm height difference.
In the photo, its hard to see. But the bottom is more to the left.
Do I like me? That's a good question....Ha ha...Either way crashing is inconvenient.
I would not like to buy a new one because this bike has to be as low cost as possible, and also 1" long stem quills are hard to find.
Anyway it is a very slight twist. at the end of a 60cm bar it translates into maybe 1 cm height difference.
In the photo, its hard to see. But the bottom is more to the left.
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