steerer cutting

johnsav
johnsav Posts: 775
edited December 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
is it advisable to cut yourself? or are there specific tools for the job?

Comments

  • Sir HC
    Sir HC Posts: 20,148
    I used on old stem to make sure the cut was straight. ANd a hacksaw.
    Intense Socom
    Inbred
  • johnsav
    johnsav Posts: 775
    excellent :D
  • Doesn't even need to be that straight as long as its all about 2mm below the top of the stem.
  • johnsav
    johnsav Posts: 775
    cheers dudes
  • Sir HC
    Sir HC Posts: 20,148
    Make sure you file the sharp edges once you've cut the steerer. And measure twice, cut once ! If your unsure, cut the steerer overlength and you can always trim it again.
    Intense Socom
    Inbred
  • johnsav
    johnsav Posts: 775
    gotcha, cheers
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    Yes, there is a specific tool that clamps in a vice and makes this job a lot easier, and gives a nice neat cut.

    It's very easy to get this job horribly wrong, so measure three times before cutting...

    As always Park have a how-to:

    http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=115
  • johnsav
    johnsav Posts: 775
    yep cheers..
    dont really need a guide to cutting through a metal tube though ta
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    johnsav wrote:
    yep cheers..
    dont really need a guide to cutting through a metal tube though ta

    So why post asking about it then?
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    Fit a new blade before you start cutting makes it easier to cut straight

    Dont ask me how I know it was an expensive mistake :oops:
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap
  • johnsav
    johnsav Posts: 775
    robbarker wrote:
    johnsav wrote:
    yep cheers..
    dont really need a guide to cutting through a metal tube though ta

    So why post asking about it then?

    Because dear friend, i wanted to hear if other people has done it themselves ect.. Now that i have seen that this is the case, i feel fine to do it myself.

    All i meant is i dont need a guide from park tools. Just needed some encouragement i guess.
  • As long as you didn't flump woodwork at shcool you will be OK. As someone else said, as long as it is 3mm below the top of the headset it will be OK, even if it is slightly crooked. Make sure you get rid of burrs and prevent the dust from falling into any bearings.
  • johnsav
    johnsav Posts: 775
    i think maybe metal work would be nearer the mark :P
  • There's an inexpensive plumbers tool that you clamp then spin around a pipe to cut it. Apparently it works well on steerer tubes. Not sure if they meant aluminium or steel steerer tubes though.
    More freerange chicken than Freeride God
    Bighit , 5 , BFe
  • johnsav
    johnsav Posts: 775
    plumbers pipe cutters are meant for copper which is a soft metal.
    il just use a hack saw i think.
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    Good quality pipe cutters can be used on mild steel or aluminium but shouldn't be used on Hi-tensile steel.

    Pipe cutters give you a straight cut but they leave a bur on the inside of the steerer tube which has to got rid of before you can fit a star nut or a bung. Getting rid of the burr takes longer than cutting with a hacksaw.

    Doesnt mean its a bad way of doing the job but its not the perfect answer.
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap