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Threaded headset without the keyed washer

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Old 06-28-19, 08:05 PM
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ddeand 
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Threaded headset without the keyed washer

What sort of issues might arise if a threaded headset is used without using the keyed washer? Also, does the thickness of the washer matter? Thanks for any info!
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Old 06-28-19, 08:42 PM
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Without the keyed washer, you must take extra care that tightening the top lock nut doesn't affect the headset adjustment.

That's it.
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Old 06-28-19, 08:50 PM
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Andrew R Stewart 
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I'll add that to trust the locking tab to stay in the steerer's slot, while adjusting the headset bearing, is asking a lot of many bikes. I long ago filed off said tabs on my bikes and use two wrenches when adjusting threaded headsets. Andy
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Old 06-28-19, 08:56 PM
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Thickness matters. Make sure the lock nut doesn't bottom out on the top of the steerer threads before contacting the adjusting nut.
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Old 06-29-19, 10:50 AM
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Yea it becomes a 2 headset wrench project ..

washer / spacers will adjust to the steerer length ..

so the top nut engages the threads, fully, but not so far as to bottom out on the top of the steering tube..

so as to not secure the adjustable headset cup .. and bearing adjustment ...







.....
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Old 06-29-19, 10:59 AM
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ddeand 
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OK - I think I get it. The washer mainly serves as a device so the top lock nut can be secured byusing one wrench? I always use two wrenches anyway. I just wanted to make sure the top lock nut would not come loose without the washer. Thanks!
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Old 06-29-19, 03:45 PM
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The keyed washer may also help keep the lock nut from loosening. You can use a drop of Loctite on the lock nut.

I've seen a few threaded steerers without a keyway. Maybe they were custom made.

At this point, I always hope someone asks, "What's a keyway?" Then I can respond, "About an ounce."
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Old 06-29-19, 04:09 PM
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I always thought it was 2.2#
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Old 06-29-19, 06:26 PM
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Actually (there's that word/claim) a keyway is a negative weight addition. Meaning that a keyway is material removal so less resulting weight. Andy (who sculpted down a pair of drop outs to loose a big 8 grams...)
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