Cutting down handlebars...
#1
Thread Starter
I need more bikes!!!

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 472
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From: Durham, NC
Bikes: 2 roadies, 7 fixed-gears, 1 hardtail, 1 full suspension mtb, and 1 hybrid...so far.
Cutting down handlebars...
...any best way to chop them to length? They are old chromed steel and have already been flipped to create bullhorns.
#3
無くなった

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,072
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From: Sci-Fi Wasabi
Bikes: I built the Bianchi track bike back up today.
I would guess a pipe cutter, but I could be wrong...
#4
1 - Use a hose clamp as a cutting guide.
2 - Use a nice new hacksaw blade
3 - A nice vice is helpful for clamping them in a workable position
4 - Make a couple practice cuts further down from the intended final cut
I chopped my bars this past winter
2 - Use a nice new hacksaw blade
3 - A nice vice is helpful for clamping them in a workable position
4 - Make a couple practice cuts further down from the intended final cut
I chopped my bars this past winter
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This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
#5
The pipe cutter option is definitely the cleanest way, and less chance for slipping...But I love dobber's idea of using the hose clamp as a cutting guide...probably cheaper than buying a pipe cutter.
Have fun cutting!
Have fun cutting!
#6
無くなった

Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,072
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From: Sci-Fi Wasabi
Bikes: I built the Bianchi track bike back up today.
I'm wondering - would a shallow pan of water be useful to make sure that the cuts were exactly the same on both sides?
#7
i used a grinder with a cutting blade and eyed one longer than the other, i was going to fix it but now im used to it. dont listen to me
#9
Originally Posted by HereNT
I'm wondering - would a shallow pan of water be useful to make sure that the cuts were exactly the same on both sides?
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This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
This is Africa, 1943. War spits out its violence overhead and the sandy graveyard swallows it up. Her name is King Nine, B-25, medium bomber, Twelfth Air Force. On a hot, still morning she took off from Tunisia to bomb the southern tip of Italy. An errant piece of flak tore a hole in a wing tank and, like a wounded bird, this is where she landed, not to return on this day, or any other day.
#12
Banned.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 1
I'm going to second the hose clamp saw guide suggestion. Hose clamps are only like $.79 or something, and if you cut carefully, you can still use the hose clamp after on your kitchen sink or hose or something.
Use plenty of oil when cutting; it makes things much smoother and easier. I used 3in1 oil, real cutting oil would work, as would motor oil, and maybe even chain lube!
Use plenty of oil when cutting; it makes things much smoother and easier. I used 3in1 oil, real cutting oil would work, as would motor oil, and maybe even chain lube!
#15
Major Major
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 199
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From: oakland
Bikes: Zebrakenko (nishiki knock-off) fixed. Its all broke though. Now, some other old, unidentified japanese frame, freshly spray-painted black(kinda hot). Puch, ss...or is that fffda7th's?
i used tape and a hacksaw. a bit rough, but very functional
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he's getting rather old but he's a good mouse
he's getting rather old but he's a good mouse
#16
Thread Starter
I need more bikes!!!

Joined: May 2004
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Durham, NC
Bikes: 2 roadies, 7 fixed-gears, 1 hardtail, 1 full suspension mtb, and 1 hybrid...so far.
Originally Posted by BostonFixed
Uhh- Handlebar end plugs? 

I was hoping to use a time trial type brake lever, but the tubing
is just a bit too small in diameter for it to seat into the bar end.
#18
Beausage is Beautiful

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 13
From: Saitama, Japan
Bikes: Nabiis Alchemy
A couple notes regarding pipe cutters. If you get one, get a decent one. I have one that I used to cut a steerer tube and handlebars and that's about as far as it got before massive chunks came out of the blade. Also, be light-handed and careful using one to cut aluminum bars - it is a lot easier than you think to ovalise the end that you just cut. Finally, if you do ovalize the end of your bars, fix it before you jam a bar-end lever in there or you will NEVER get it out again without about 90 min of work, some spilt blood, and a lot of swearing.
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Yo. Everything I’m doing is linked on What’s up with Dave? but most of note currently is Somewhere in Japan.
Yo. Everything I’m doing is linked on What’s up with Dave? but most of note currently is Somewhere in Japan.
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 141
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From: gainesville, FL
Bikes: trek 520 with gold rims, custom villin
Originally Posted by Fugazi Dave
Finally, if you do ovalize the end of your bars, fix it before you jam a bar-end lever in there or you will NEVER get it out again without about 90 min of work, some spilt blood, and a lot of swearing.
#20
mike.pretzel
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
Bikes: GT Sprint(roadie) Nishiki Stony Point(stolen), Mid 80's Huffy Cruiser, '69 Schwinn Collegiate(needs work), Raleigh Technium(In progress fixed gear) Schwinn Mesa new project bike!
Originally Posted by Mr. Shadow
Thank you. I'll go buy a new hacksaw tomorrow.
#25
Originally Posted by Fugazi Dave
A couple notes regarding pipe cutters. If you get one, get a decent one....
Last edited by etchr; 05-18-05 at 09:54 AM.




