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Vintage Headset Locknut removal

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  • 11-01-2015 11:48pm
    #1
    whysomanyhills
    Registered Users Posts: 17 ✭


    Hi,

    I'm just rebuilding an old bike (strip down / re-spray). The lock nut on the headset is a tabbed lock nut (there are 3 indented tabs on the lock nut) and I'm just wondering if there is a specific tool/socket that can be used for it before I start trying some combination of tools to get it off.

    I have photos but I can't post them as I'm a new user.

    Thanks


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    #2
    blamester
    Registered Users Posts: 18 ✭blamester


    without a photo it"s hard to say but you could try a strap wrench instead of a marking the headset with a bodged together tool.
    Are you going to reuse the headset?


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    #3
    cdaly_
    Registered Users Posts: 6,440 ✭✭✭cdaly_


    This kind of thing?

    wiYXl.jpg


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    #4
    Mycroft H
    Registered Users Posts: 9,316 ✭✭✭Mycroft H


    whysomanyhills wrote: »
    Hi,

    I'm just rebuilding an old bike (strip down / re-spray). The lock nut on the headset is a tabbed lock nut (there are 3 indented tabs on the lock nut) and I'm just wondering if there is a specific tool/socket that can be used for it before I start trying some combination of tools to get it off.

    I have photos but I can't post them as I'm a new user.

    Thanks

    I think I know what your on about. My old bike had one of those before I replaced the headset.

    Pretty sure I got a mallet and a flathead screwdriver and gently tapped it off. It won't be on tight


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    #5
    tomasrojo
    Registered Users Posts: 11,742 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    Mycroft H wrote: »
    I think I know what your on about. My old bike had one of those before I replaced the headset.

    Pretty sure I got a mallet and a flathead screwdriver and gently tapped it off. It won't be on tight

    Sounds similar to the old lock ring for adjustable bottom brackets. A lot of people used a hammer and chisel (gently) to get them off.


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    #6
    Mycroft H
    Registered Users Posts: 9,316 ✭✭✭Mycroft H


    If your gentle, it's very easy to get them off. Blast of penetrating fluid first to loosen it up.


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    #7
    Type 17
    Registered Users Posts: 2,730 ✭✭✭Type 17


    If you do want a tool for this type of locknut, it's called a crescent wrench (or crescent spanner in Europe).


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    #8
    whysomanyhills
    Registered Users Posts: 17 ✭whysomanyhills


    Thanks All :)

    @cdaly That's exactly the type of locknut on it - I got my hands on a hook wrench (not an exact fit like the tool in your photo) that I reckon might do the job

    The bike is about 20-30 years old I'd so once I've the headset off I'll take a look and see what kind of condition it's it before looking at replacing it - that's why I didn't initially wan't to go hammering the lock nut in case I want to reuse it


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    #9
    Mycroft H
    Registered Users Posts: 9,316 ✭✭✭Mycroft H


    It might be alright. If it's a cheapo no name job I'd perhaps replace it. Headsets are cheap


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    #10
    Type 17
    Registered Users Posts: 2,730 ✭✭✭Type 17


    If the tool you've got is too big, hold the end of a flat-blade screwdriver between the tool and the lockring, opposite the lug, to fill the gap ...


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