Dropout screw question
#1
I never finish anyth
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Western KY
Posts: 1,114
Bikes: 2008 Merckx LXM, 2003 Giant XTC mtb, 2001 Lemond Alpe d'Huez, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1989 Cannondale ST, 1988 Masi Nuovo Strada, 1983 Pinarello Turismo
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 294 Post(s)
Liked 137 Times
in
86 Posts
Dropout screw question
This may seem like an odd question, but should the spring on the dropout screw be on the inside or the outside? Or does it depend on the length of the compressed spring and where the axle needs to be located?
I have 3 frames with these screws and 2 have the spring on the inside and 1 on the outside.
Just OCD I guess, like a lot of us inmates here.
I have 3 frames with these screws and 2 have the spring on the inside and 1 on the outside.
Just OCD I guess, like a lot of us inmates here.
__________________
Dale, NL4T
Dale, NL4T
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Maryland, USA
Posts: 2,442
Bikes: Drysdale/Gitane/Zeus/Masi/Falcon/Palo Alto/Raleigh/Legnano
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 987 Post(s)
Liked 641 Times
in
407 Posts
I think it's only OCD if you start polishing or chroming the springs.
__________________
Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1974 Legnano. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
Larry:1958 Drysdale, 1961 Gitane Gran Sport, 1974 Zeus track, 1988 Masi Gran Corsa, 1974 Falcon, 1980 Palo Alto, 1973 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1974 Legnano. Susan: 1976 Windsor Profesional.
#4
Mr. Anachronism
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Somewhere west of Tobie's
Posts: 2,087
Bikes: fillet-brazed Chicago Schwinns, and some other stuff
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 526 Post(s)
Liked 256 Times
in
165 Posts
I agree that it depends on which side (inside or outside) has the most threads exposed.
I've mentioned before that I actually prefer installing the screws backwards, with the removable "cap" against the axle. This for three reasons:
1) The cap provides a nice, smooth surface for the axle to sit against
2) This allows a screwdriver to access the screw slot from the outside, without removing the wheel completely, and
3) I never lose any of the screw on caps this way.
I've mentioned before that I actually prefer installing the screws backwards, with the removable "cap" against the axle. This for three reasons:
1) The cap provides a nice, smooth surface for the axle to sit against
2) This allows a screwdriver to access the screw slot from the outside, without removing the wheel completely, and
3) I never lose any of the screw on caps this way.
__________________
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
"My only true wisdom is in knowing I have none" -Socrates
#5
Stop reading my posts!
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 12,584
Mentioned: 90 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1444 Post(s)
Liked 1,064 Times
in
788 Posts
It's SUPPOSED to be spring-on-inside because that's expected to be where you will typically have more exposed threaded length and the purpose is to act as a big "spring/lock washer" to prevent unwanted movement of that screw. Tho a little rusting and bending will do that naturally! The caps being on the outside end is so you could turn the screw clockwise (moving axle stop forward in the DO) with no tools but moving it back (CCW) requires a small screwdriver and the slot clear of the wheel so much more intentional. These are "rules" based on the expected use but obviously the spring can also function as "lock-washer" on either side of the DO and if you find you need to move the screw both CW and CCW with the wheel in place having the slot on the outside will work for you. My small tip: I like to replace nuts with nylock-type locking nuts that may not look as slick but don't come loose...when I can find them in (metric) stainless steel, even better!
#6
Senior Member
I have a Moser with Moser dropouts. The holes are not threaded. There is a c-shaped insert that is threaded and goes inside the dropout. The spring has to be on the outside for this to work properly. All my other frames have the spring inside.
#7
señor miembro
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 6,628
Bikes: '70s - '80s Campagnolo
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3890 Post(s)
Liked 6,491 Times
in
3,213 Posts
I sometimes trim the springs so I can move the axle further back.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Menomonee Falls, WI
Posts: 1,834
Bikes: 1984 Schwinn Supersport, 1988 Trek 400T, 1977 Trek TX900, 1982 Bianchi Champione del Mondo, 1978 Raleigh Supercourse, 1986 Trek 400 Elance, 1991 Waterford PDG OS Paramount, 1971 Schwinn Sports Tourer, 1985 Trek 670
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 604 Post(s)
Liked 1,064 Times
in
535 Posts
It works either way, put the spring where there is the most thread. I pushed the axle way back on a bike to get a RD that supposedly maxed out at 26t, according to the installation sheet, to shift up to a 28t cog. It’s like handlebar tape, bottom up, or top down, which ever works best for you, Bicycle correctness police be damned.
Tim
Tim
#9
aged to perfection
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: PacNW
Posts: 1,820
Bikes: Dinucci Allez 2.0, Richard Sachs, Alex Singer, Serotta, Masi GC, Raleigh Pro Mk.1, Hetchins, etc
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 840 Post(s)
Liked 1,262 Times
in
667 Posts
Andrew Gillis has a great trick - set the wheel where you want it and then cut the screw with about 3/16" sticking out, dab of Loctite and then thread the cap on, so it's flush against the dropout.
and to answer the question posed by the OP - spring goes on the inside.
Dave Levy at TiCycles makes stainless steel hardware that duplicates the original, nice and shiny and probably stronger. Available on ebay.
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
and to answer the question posed by the OP - spring goes on the inside.
Dave Levy at TiCycles makes stainless steel hardware that duplicates the original, nice and shiny and probably stronger. Available on ebay.
Mark Petry
Bainbridge Island, WA USA
#10
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,942
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1172 Post(s)
Liked 358 Times
in
241 Posts
This may seem like an odd question, but should the spring on the dropout screw be on the inside or the outside? Or does it depend on the length of the compressed spring and where the axle needs to be located?
I have 3 frames with these screws and 2 have the spring on the inside and 1 on the outside.
Just OCD I guess, like a lot of us inmates here.
I have 3 frames with these screws and 2 have the spring on the inside and 1 on the outside.
Just OCD I guess, like a lot of us inmates here.
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Madison, WI USA
Posts: 6,157
Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2364 Post(s)
Liked 1,751 Times
in
1,193 Posts