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Questions about cutting my C'dale CF steerer-First time

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Questions about cutting my C'dale CF steerer-First time

Old 12-19-08, 08:24 PM
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PhilThee
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Questions about cutting my C'dale CF steerer-First time

So I have a Cannondale fork with CF steerer tube.
I'd like to cut off about 1/2 inch to get rid of a couple spacers.
I've never done it before so I have a few questions.

I read that it's best to use the park SG-6 tool for doing this. https://www.parktool.com/products/det...=49&item=SG-6#

No mention was given to the blade. Am I going to want the finest blade I can get my hands on?

My fork already has the factory installed star nut installed in it. Do I just trim down the cap to give me a small gap from the star nut?

Should I have a shop install a new star nut?
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Old 12-19-08, 08:37 PM
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I think it's best to have an authorized dealer do it to keep the warranty in effect, or so I've heard.
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Old 12-19-08, 08:48 PM
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If you do it your self, then a 32T saw blade is what I've used before. You want to make sure you have some kind of guide so your cut is straight. You can also you use a dremel and just take your time again making sure you cut straight.

You say your CF sterer has a star nut? Are you sure it's not a compression plug?
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Old 12-19-08, 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by PhilThee
I read that it's best to use the park SG-6 tool for doing this. https://www.parktool.com/products/det...=49&item=SG-6#
Do not do this. You can ruin your steer tube.
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Old 12-19-08, 11:10 PM
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er... star nut? A carbon steerer should use a compression plug. Star nuts can gouge the inside surface of a carbon steerer and cause a OMGSPLOSION.
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Old 12-19-08, 11:33 PM
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I have cut 5 or 6 steerer tubes with a hacksaw. I've done several without a guide, but the guide does make it look pretty and let you get the cut really precisely if you want to run no spacers atop the stem. You will want to get a new blade to help keep from tearing the fibers when you complete the cut. Also, rotate the tube so you finish the cut perpendicular and not parallel to the tube wall. Get a nice file and smooth out the edges gently to protect it from splitting.
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Old 12-19-08, 11:57 PM
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If you want a good cut then you'll need to use a tungsten carbide hacksaw blade.

https://www.carbonmods.co.uk/Products...ade__HS12.aspx

+1 carbon steerers should never have a star nut.

It's probably easier to get an knowledgeable LBS to do it.
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Old 12-20-08, 06:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Medpilot

You say your CF steerer has a star nut? Are you sure it's not a compression plug?
It's a star nut. Cannondale has been installing them in their CF steerer tubes for years.

The fork is not new and isn't under any warranty.
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Old 12-20-08, 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by kleng
if you want a good cut then you'll need to use a tungsten carbide hacksaw blade.

https://www.carbonmods.co.uk/products...ade__hs12.aspx

+1 carbon steerers should never have a star nut.

+1.

It's probably easier to get an knowledgeable lbs to do it.
+1.
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Old 12-20-08, 06:54 AM
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Originally Posted by bob dopolina
+1.
+2...
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