Installing a Headset

[jerman]

OK, I have a FSA Orbit XL ll threadless headset. I have a Surly Karate Monkey frame. I dont have a headset press.

My old Haynes bicicle repair book says I can use a hammer and block of wood to press in the cups.

Is this a good idea?

Want to do this myself but do not want to pay the $130 for the tool or pay the lbs to do it.

[fuz]

a really long treaded rod, some washers, and wingnuts. install one cup at a time by tightening the wingnut, with the washers (really big ones) on the outside of the headtube, and the headset. install the crown race with an old stem, and the star fangled nut very slowley with a mallet and the topcap/bolt configuration

[Goride]

Terrible idea, but surely someone online will tell you how great it is, that they've never busted one, blah blah blah.

I'd use the right tools, or pay someone to, rather than risk ruining your headset or even your frame if you force it in out of plane.

[cMc]

I've done both the cheepo self-install and installed them with the right tools when I worked at a shop. The latter is better, but I never had any problems with the cheepo method.

A shop will probably install the headset for you for a tenner, which would be less hassle and take a lot less time that scrouging a good DIY kit, might cost less too.

[poison idea]

goride is right, but thats no fun

try the
Ghetto method
put your frame in a warm sunny spot outside.
put the headset in the freezer
drink 6 beers
lube up the headset
bonk it into place with a rubber mallet.
done.

[hairygrump]

I use the wood block and mallet method. The trick there is to not get too caveman on it.

Smarter people do something like this:
http://www.mindspring.com/~d.g1/headset.html

EDIT: I should say HAVE USED. Often I'll pay to have it done.

[tryandgetme]

I broke down bought the tool even though my home made press worked fine. Perfect excuse to buy more tools!

[rockyrider]

Some headsets like the FSA Orbit MX have a rubber seal that sticks up above and below the cup (I can't recall if the XL has them) and you don't want to risk crushing or damaging those crud seals. The real headset press has a stepped insert top and bottom so it sits on the bearing race and not the cup of the seals.

[jerman]

Well I called my lbs and they can do it for $8.
Lets see, $8 vs possibly ruining frame....
I guess I'll pay the lbs.

Although, Poison's idea sounds like fun!:D

[The Rose]

Good idea. :D

[S. cerevisiae]

Well I called my lbs and they can do it for $8.
Lets see, $8 vs possibly ruining frame....
I guess I'll pay the lbs.

Although, Poison's idea sounds like fun!:D

Combine the two: after returning from the shop with a frame and fork that have not been damaged and are ready for assembly, drink six (6) beers.

You'll be glad you did...

[Travis Bickle]

I've pounded them in with a block of wood and hammer a few times and it works fine.

My wood is organic scrap 2x4 so I am recycling a renewable product and my cost was zero. I had the hammer already so the CO2 footprint for this evolution is pretty small.:D

[rockhound]

I made a press similar to the one hairygrump linked to...except I have U-shaped steel handles on both ends that I tapped to thread onto a piece of all thread.

Just make sure you keep the cups in the same plane. This is best accomplished by installing one cup at a time.

[nogearshere]

Well I called my lbs and they can do it for $8.
Lets see, $8 vs possibly ruining frame....
I guess I'll pay the lbs.

Although, Poison's idea sounds like fun!:D

good point.
8$ is the cheapest insurance you can buy.

Poison is on to something. Let's modify it for you.
take your frame to the LBS
come home
drink 6 beers
lube up friend.
bonk. with or without tools, your choice really.
done.

[RIC0]

good point.
8$ is the cheapest insurance you can buy.

Poison is on to something. Let's modify it for you.


I did it ghetto style with no problems and would have to say if you bungle up a headset or frame doing it ghetto style you need to quit breathing and save the air for the rest of us. Although $8 to have it done is a good price and piece of mind so it's up to you.