Tell me about threading forks

[Neil]

So... got some Kona Project 2s, to replace a pair of Kona Project 2s that are already in the frame - 'cept they're those horrible suspension-corrected P2s (I bought the frame and forks like that).

Now they're currently threadless, with an Aheadset in.

Got some (non-suspension corrected) P2s, reasonable price, from ebay - wasn't very thorough in checking the steerer length - but it's too short to run threadless (they're currently threadless) but probably just fine (maybe slightly too long) to run threaded.

So, would I be best learning and buying the tools to thread them - and if so, any advice and tips welcome - or paying an LBS to do it?

I normally lean towards the former, but if the tools are going to be expensive, and if it's got reasonable probabilty for FUBAR-ing the steerer, then maybe not the best time for experimentation.

 

[silverclaws]

I think unless you are going to be doing a lot of threading forks, it is not worth investing in the tools. Maybe a decent BS is the way forward, or frame builder, in fact the latter preferably, as LBS tend to be staffed largely with monkeys these days who were probably still in nappies when threaded steerers were the norm.

But, if you get hold of the tools, next problem is making sure the thread is cut square, else the headset will lock when you turn in one direction and ease in the other direction.

 

[Wobbly John]

Check that the steerer is reamed to take a quill stem before you think about threading.

The tools are expensive, although I have a set if you are anywhere near (Cambs).

 

[WD Pro]

Don't get me going on LBS's and threading forks ...

The correct tool will self centre and cut straight :

All this thread is new :

Best thread I have ever had on a fork :

Up until now they had always had a little damage from the tag washer - they don't even have a groove for one now

Full story and pics on my Marin build.

WD

 

[Xesh]

I think unless you are going to be doing a lot of threading forks, it is not worth investing in the tools. Maybe a decent BS is the way forward, or frame builder........

Better to go to a frame builder as they'll be more likely to have the correct tool in good condition. Many shops may have the tool but the cutter may not be in good condition as they're expensive to buy (if they've got a decent one to begin with) and will be used to destruction.

........as LBS tend to be staffed largely with monkeys these days who were probably still in nappies when threaded steerers were the norm........

If they were even born then...

 

[silverclaws]

Don't get me going on LBS's and threading forks ...

The correct tool will self centre and cut straight :

All this thread is new :

Best thread I have ever had on a fork :

Up until now they had always had a little damage from the tag washer - they don't even have a groove for one now

Full story and pics on my Marin build.

WD

Yeah, that is the type of threading tool I had in mind, similar one used in building construction for threading conduit, it has a variety of sleeves that are put on before the die, to the thread follows the sleeve. A bog standard die and wrench just will not do, as there is too much margin for error.

But reference the groove that used to be on threaded forks for the tab washer and other things, I just had to check my new forks, as I don't remember seeing that groove. Well, no groove as such, but the threads have been ground down at the back, looks like an angle grinder job to me, hardly it I suppose, but maybe it will be ok. The forks I have to fit are Saracen original equipment from 1993, the year I think their standards started to slip.

To the op, unless you can get the proper tool, get thee to a reputed frame builder, LBS's, is too hit and miss, I know for certain I would not let the monkeys graunch my forks.

And if you are here mr LBS owner as I know you like retrobikes, maybe you can sympathise.

 

[dbmtb]

If it's me you're talking about, I'm not an LBS owner yet - but hope to be by march.

And as soon as there's money for it, I'll be getting this tool, a BB thread cutter/facer and a headtube facer. Purely on the basis that nobody near me has them!

Even back in 95 when I started out in the bike trade in this country, it was damn near impossible to find a shop with the tools to do this.

Last place I worked we prepped everything before building. Just the act of doing it means the whole frame gets a really thorough checkover before you waste time putting bits on a frame that wasn't built properly. Saves a lot of time at the other end too.

 

[WD Pro]

To the op, unless you can get the proper tool, get thee to a reputed frame builder, LBS's, is too hit and miss, I know for certain I would not let the monkeys graunch my forks.

Sorry, but I completely disagree with this as the job is down to the skills of the operator not the history of the shop they work at.

I have had threads completely knackered by a long standing LBS :-( followed by a second set that weren’t completely knackered, but still ugly / damaged – these were posted to a ‘very’ respected UK frame builder as I expected the job to be a good un :? I have since sold these forks on here (The buyer was made fully aware ) but kept the name of the frame builder off the forum as I don’t want flaming for naming them (which I guarantee I will ) The buyer was sent the email correspondence so knows the identity …

The job above was done by me (who has never threaded forks before) using a very old tool from a relatively new bike shop (where my friend works) who had to borrow the tool from one of their other more longstanding stops.

If I was trusting someone else to do it again, I would give them a sh1t pair of forks first (made from the same material) and see what they can do before handing over a expensive / rare set ensuring the same operator and cutting tool was used …

WD

 

[Neil]

Just out of interest, what sort of money would one of those tools cost, and where can they be bought from?

 

[Wobbly John]

I've got the Park tool :shock: I got the 1 1/8" die as well - bought as an unused set from Ebay...




... for £25 :twisted:

>ducks<