Headset press, alternate?

OCLV74

Need to press my shiny new Hope headset into my frame, have seen a few DIY tools using plumbing bits and a large screw bolt, also saw someone using a car jack and blocks of wood. My question is this, I noticed that my steel barbell has spin lock collars, if I make some plastic washers and use wood too, do people think this is possible? Or am I insane? The barbell actually fits the the head tube with about 2 mm play. My local bike shop want to charge me 30 squid to press the cups, and to buy my own Tool is just a rediculous price to use it maybe 3 or 4 times in my life. some of the DIY bits I have found:

http://www.weon.co.uk/2006/08/diy-headset-press/ the car jack method!!

http://www.bikecommuters.com/2007/09/29 ... ion-tools/ a very nice DIY press

(Not sure if I'm allowed to post links to external sites, so if not, sorry MODS)

Slow Loris

I too was reluctant to shell out money for a proper press, or for an lbs to do it, but in trying to make my own press I only succeeded in wasting money on bits of hardware that never ended up working.

In the end I gave up and bought a Cyclus head set press for £30, it was well worth it and I wish I'd just bought the thing straight off!

cooldad

I use a bit of wood and a hammer.

waughie

+1 for a piece of wood and a hammer!

Mojo_666

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEADSET-PRESS ... 19ced72b82

Holyzeus

I did mine with a large bolt, 2 washers and a nut but i already had them. The above tool is so cheap i'd get that

OCLV74

yep ordered the 8 quid option.. exactly what I was hoping my post would cause! Means I won't feel guilty ordering that nice torque wrench now.. If I could give man-love to Mojo, I would, even if he doesn't want to be pestered by an old fart.. cheers for all the imput, I shall upload the final build.

UncleMonty

I made my own press very similar to the one on ebay, the problem I had was getting it started, the cups just wouldn't go in straight for me, I had to resort to the lump of would method, once the cup was in I then used my press to seat it properly.

I found it easier to do one cup a a time as well.

The Rookie

LBS want £30?????? It's a ten minute job, ours charge a tenner!

mrmonkfinger

waughie wrote:

+1 for a piece of wood and a hammer!

+5

make that two bits of wood and a hammer, for me.