Threading a Fork
#1
Destroyer of Worlds
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 446
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Threading a Fork
Hi,
I have some mechanical ability, but am wondering how difficult it is to use a die to thread a fork, because I want to buy a fork that's too long and won't have any/enough threading once cut down. Also how hard is it to cut a fork down? It'd probably cost me like $20 or $30 to get it done, so I was thinking I'd just use the local public shop where it costs $10/hr to work and use their tools. This would require I do it myself though, and I just want to know if this is something a newbie can do. I read that it's a moderately difficult job, but I'm just looking for some more practical tips. Also, does it damage the headset when you cut the steerer down since you cut against it sort of?
Thanks,
Kyle
I have some mechanical ability, but am wondering how difficult it is to use a die to thread a fork, because I want to buy a fork that's too long and won't have any/enough threading once cut down. Also how hard is it to cut a fork down? It'd probably cost me like $20 or $30 to get it done, so I was thinking I'd just use the local public shop where it costs $10/hr to work and use their tools. This would require I do it myself though, and I just want to know if this is something a newbie can do. I read that it's a moderately difficult job, but I'm just looking for some more practical tips. Also, does it damage the headset when you cut the steerer down since you cut against it sort of?
Thanks,
Kyle
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Quahog, RI
Posts: 1,509
Bikes: Giant TCR Comps, Cdale R5000, Klein Q-Pro, Litespeed Siena, Piasano 105, Redline Conquest Pro, Voodoo Bizango, Fuji Aloha
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Don't do it.
#3
30 YR Wrench
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Oxford, OH
Posts: 2,006
Bikes: Waterford R-33, Madone 6.5, Trek 520
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
We charge about $40-50 to do this to a steel steerer. It is a huge PITA! It takes a large amount of physical effort, a very expensive tool, and a fair amount of time-and as an added bonus, if you screw it up, it's time for a new fork! I don't understand your concern about the headset. The fork is nowhere near the headset during the procedure. IOW, the fork is off the bike in a jig.
If you really want this done, find a shop with experience, and pay them what they ask. This is not a time to bargain-hunt.
If you really want this done, find a shop with experience, and pay them what they ask. This is not a time to bargain-hunt.
Last edited by BikeWise1; 01-09-07 at 07:32 AM.
#4
It's a moral imperative
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Live Free or Die
Posts: 43
Bikes: 2006 Redline Monocog 29, 2001 Jamis Durango (Mod SS), 2005 IBEX Aprisa custom build
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+1 to the 'pain in the ass'
i also looked into doing this lately while building up a dumpster fixie and i ended up just converting to an old threadless fork/headset i had laying around instead. if you really want to rethread though i would recommend taking it to a machine shop or some place that would do it more often than a bike shop would. bike shops dont do this much nowadays and are probably out of practice and its not an easy thing to do.
i also looked into doing this lately while building up a dumpster fixie and i ended up just converting to an old threadless fork/headset i had laying around instead. if you really want to rethread though i would recommend taking it to a machine shop or some place that would do it more often than a bike shop would. bike shops dont do this much nowadays and are probably out of practice and its not an easy thing to do.
#6
Destroyer of Worlds
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 446
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Bikewise1, I'm talking about when cutting off the fork to be the correct length for the headset. Blegh, finding the right fork is a pain. Barnett's manual only says it'd take under an hour... in fact I think it said about 30 mins.
#7
It's a moral imperative
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Live Free or Die
Posts: 43
Bikes: 2006 Redline Monocog 29, 2001 Jamis Durango (Mod SS), 2005 IBEX Aprisa custom build
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
cutting the fork is easy, hacksaw with a sharp blade and a saw guide should get you there...rethreading it is the horrible part.
also if you go through with this you will probably want to extend the threads down to where you need them and then cut the fork to the right size. continuing threads is way easier than starting new threads from scratch.
also if you go through with this you will probably want to extend the threads down to where you need them and then cut the fork to the right size. continuing threads is way easier than starting new threads from scratch.
#8
30 YR Wrench
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Oxford, OH
Posts: 2,006
Bikes: Waterford R-33, Madone 6.5, Trek 520
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by kyledr
Bikewise1, I'm talking about when cutting off the fork to be the correct length for the headset. Blegh, finding the right fork is a pain. Barnett's manual only says it'd take under an hour... in fact I think it said about 30 mins.
Cutting the steerer is the easy part, but it is better to do this after the fork is threaded. You should have some idea of where the threads need to end-shorter threaded section is better and stronger. Once the threads are cut, thread on the adjustable cone or cup, then add the spacers if any. Use a caliper and measure the inside of the locknut and make sure you cut the steerer about 2 mm shorter than your measurements indicate once it's all added up. Better to be a little long than too short.
#9
Senior Member
Originally Posted by TheSlav
cutting the fork is easy, hacksaw with a sharp blade and a saw guide should get you there...rethreading it is the horrible part.
also if you go through with this you will probably want to extend the threads down to where you need them and then cut the fork to the right size. continuing threads is way easier than starting new threads from scratch.
also if you go through with this you will probably want to extend the threads down to where you need them and then cut the fork to the right size. continuing threads is way easier than starting new threads from scratch.
If the shop has the die, go for it. Technique is pretty easy, use lots of cutting oil, go about 1/2 turn, back off a quarter turn, repeat endlessly. Use compressed air to blow it clean frequently as you go. Some elbow grease required, but 3-4 on a scale of 1-10 as far as mechanical difficulty goes.
__________________
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 115
Bikes: Lemond, Klein,Trek
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rensho is correct. I did this to a hard to find 1" suspension fork for my Klein tourer, and it worked well. The hard part is taking it easy. Use lots of oil. Take a 1/4 turn forward then back up, then a 1/4 turn forward. Don't take off too much at a time as you will cut your threads right off. If you have a long distance to thread, that may be a problem as the diameter and thickness may vary as you go toward the fork, but threading an inch or so should be fine. Good luck.
#11
hello
Well, I guess I was lucky. I had a very nice threaded fork which was way too long so I had my LBS extend the threads further down an additional 2 inches or so on the steel steerer. They charged me $10. Then I chopped the steered tube down to size, myself.
#12
30 YR Wrench
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Oxford, OH
Posts: 2,006
Bikes: Waterford R-33, Madone 6.5, Trek 520
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally Posted by The Fixer
Well, I guess I was lucky. I had a very nice threaded fork which was way too long so I had my LBS extend the threads further down an additional 2 inches or so on the steel steerer. They charged me $10. Then I chopped the steered tube down to size, myself.
#13
Destroyer of Worlds
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 446
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sweet. I will contact the bike shop and see if they're cool with me doing this myself. One more question... is it even possible to cut a fork Italian thread anymore? I can't find such a die on Park's site, and the shop I'm referring to uses their tools. I know the difference is minute, like 5 degrees on the pitch (right?), but I read that you shouldn't go back and fourth between Italian and English thread, and some day I may want to go back to the original fork. Is it OK to just ignore this or am I asking for messing up the threads?
Last edited by kyledr; 01-09-07 at 07:13 PM.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Boston
Posts: 548
Bikes: Jamis Coda Sport '06
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kyledr
Hi,
I have some mechanical ability, but am wondering how difficult it is to use a die to thread a fork, because I want to buy a fork that's too long and won't have any/enough threading once cut down. Also how hard is it to cut a fork down? It'd probably cost me like $20 or $30 to get it done, so I was thinking I'd just use the local public shop where it costs $10/hr to work and use their tools. This would require I do it myself though, and I just want to know if this is something a newbie can do. I read that it's a moderately difficult job, but I'm just looking for some more practical tips. Also, does it damage the headset when you cut the steerer down since you cut against it sort of?
Thanks,
Kyle
I have some mechanical ability, but am wondering how difficult it is to use a die to thread a fork, because I want to buy a fork that's too long and won't have any/enough threading once cut down. Also how hard is it to cut a fork down? It'd probably cost me like $20 or $30 to get it done, so I was thinking I'd just use the local public shop where it costs $10/hr to work and use their tools. This would require I do it myself though, and I just want to know if this is something a newbie can do. I read that it's a moderately difficult job, but I'm just looking for some more practical tips. Also, does it damage the headset when you cut the steerer down since you cut against it sort of?
Thanks,
Kyle
#16
hello
Originally Posted by BikeWise1
It's a whole 'nuther ball game if threads already exist. Super easy to add more. It's the threading a plain steerer that's a royal PITA!
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 3,682
Bikes: Puch Marco Polo, Saint Tropez, Masi Gran Criterium
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1163 Post(s)
Liked 442 Times
in
315 Posts
Originally Posted by kyledr
Sweet. I will contact the bike shop and see if they're cool with me doing this myself. One more question... is it even possible to cut a fork Italian thread anymore? I can't find such a die on Park's site, and the shop I'm referring to uses their tools. I know the difference is minute, like 5 degrees on the pitch (right?), but I read that you shouldn't go back and fourth between Italian and English thread, and some day I may want to go back to the original fork. Is it OK to just ignore this or am I asking for messing up the threads?
Stuff comes up on ebay periodically if you search under "VAR" or "Park Tool" or "Campagnolo" or "Bicycle Research". Old bike shops close down all the time and unload their inventory, something like an Italian thread 1" fork die is going to be rare, but not unheard of to track one down in the wild. BTW: Park Tool makes steerer tube cutting gauges for threaded or unthreaded forks for about $30 which are realily available. Using one of these would assure a square cut on the steerer tube and the threaded version has the added feature of acting as a thread chaser to remove burrs as you remove it so that the freshly cut end allows the headset adjustable cup to thread on easily.
#19
"not enough rage"
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Oakland
Posts: 273
Bikes: Old ****ed up Cannondale roadie, peice o **** Gitane as a beater, and I use my Nishiki for bike camping
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
thanks for the info in this thread. I found an old steel fork on the street that needs to be cut and threaded to fit a frame I have that needs a fork... my LBS want's $40-50 and the fork isn't worth anywhere near that. I'm gonna go buy a die tomorrow and give this a shot. if I ruin the fork, no great loss. if I get it right, I'll be able to throw it on a Cinelli frame that came with an under sized fork...
#20
Senior member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Oakville Ontario
Posts: 8,117
Mentioned: 25 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Liked 658 Times
in
371 Posts
Originally Posted by Old Breadbutt
thanks for the info in this thread. I found an old steel fork on the street that needs to be cut and threaded to fit a frame I have that needs a fork... my LBS want's $40-50 and the fork isn't worth anywhere near that. I'm gonna go buy a die tomorrow and give this a shot. if I ruin the fork, no great loss. if I get it right, I'll be able to throw it on a Cinelli frame that came with an under sized fork...
Dan Burkhart
www.boomerbicycle.ca
#21
cab horn
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 28,353
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 26 Times
in
19 Posts
I dunno. $40-$50 will get you an entirely new fork. One with correct everything. I picked up surplus columbus steel forks at my LBS for $20.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
Originally Posted by Old Breadbutt
... my LBS want's $40-50 and the fork isn't worth anywhere near that. I'm gonna go buy a die tomorrow and give this a shot.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 33,656
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
Mentioned: 39 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2026 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,096 Times
in
742 Posts
Originally Posted by Retro Grouch
$40-50 isn't going to be nearly enough money to buy that die that you'll probably only use once.
Look here for details: https://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi
To summarize: If the fork you have is already threaded and you just want to extend the threads further down AND you can find a shop with the proper die that knows how to use it, the job is not too bad. Cutting the fork to length is quite simple after the threading is complete.
If the fork is not already threaded do not even think of trying to thread it from scratch.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
How much too long is it?
Before I agreed to let a shop extend the threads on my fork I'd want to ask how many they've done. My experience has been that the more confident they are about doing it the fewer they've actually done. If you need more than a couple of threads added I'd be wanting at least $50.00 to do the job. If it doesn't already have threads that I can start on I'm simply not touching it.
Before I agreed to let a shop extend the threads on my fork I'd want to ask how many they've done. My experience has been that the more confident they are about doing it the fewer they've actually done. If you need more than a couple of threads added I'd be wanting at least $50.00 to do the job. If it doesn't already have threads that I can start on I'm simply not touching it.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 6,900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kyledr
I'm in Minneapolis
Second, since your in a big city there may be a shop that lets you do your own work. We have one in Pittsburgh and I even cut and threaded a 1 1/8 inch fork for a project. Short of that, find a shop that still works on older bikes. They most likely will know what they are doing and have the proper tools. Good luck.
I have done this 4 times and it is not difficult.