36Chambers

I found this jem, 20$ nishiki competition. from the early 70s I am guessing. I am taking her down to the frame. I cannot remove the headset. I screwed off the top cap, then the brake cable holder, and below this is a lock ring with three slots. I do not have the tool. how do I get this off without that three pronged tool?


I have not seen a headset like this one. I want to remove it, and clean the chrome on the forks. any ideas? there is another notch on the other side. I want to remove this headset. i have tools to remove a typical threaded headset, but not this.

dedhed

You need a "spanner" wrench. I've found a beer tap spanner to be about right.

https://www.amazon.com/Krome-843431-.../dp/B001CDQKVW

Or just use a bigger channel lock pliers, seeing as it's not some $$$ Campy headset.

dsbrantjr

You might be able to catch the notches with a properly-adjusted (or modified) Channellock-type pliers, but having the right tool is by far the best. If you are going to put it back together you will need a tool to tighten it back up.

masonv45

Screwdriver and hammer?

thumpism 

I use the Hozan tool. Hammer and punch will work to remove but they're a little indelicate for fine adjusting on reassembly.

Cyclist30923

Try a bottom bracket spanner tool. You should be able to get a good one online for less than ten bucks.

36Chambers

I will search online and try to find the right size tool. i have two spanner wrenches, but they do not fit this lock nut. I might try the screw driver and hammer approach. I am not going to reuse this headset. Thanks for the help.

JohnDThompson 

Bottom bracket hook spanners are designed to work with a larger radius ring; the hook may not reach the notch in the ring. That's why the Hozan tool referenced by @thumpism above has two ends with different radii. Otherwise, adjustable hook spanners can fit a range of ring radii:

dedhed

Well if that's the case, channel lock, pipe wrench, big vise grips. hammer and screwdriver/chisel

JanMM

Or a hammer and nail set or punch.

sweeks

Dumb question: That fastener isn't part of the actual headset, is it? It seems that unless the OP isn't going to re-use the original fork, he'll need that piece to put the fork back on after headset replacement. So it might be a good idea to not destroy it.

dedhed

Yes part of the headset. it holds the toothed part that connects with the knurled outer part. A new headset would include everything they need to install. the only thing he may need with a new headset are any readily available spacers if the stack height of the new headset is shorter and requires spacers.

Channels locks etc are going to mar the finish, not destroy it. If for some reason they needed to use it it would still function. Especially if they used plenty of penetrant and some heat to remove it.

His existing headset is very similar to this.

36Chambers

Thanks for all the replies. I went with brute strength. I used a hammer and nail. came lose pretty easy and I did not even damage anything. Yes, the headset looks exactly like the one pictured. Now I have clean up the frame. Not sure how I will build it up. I am thinking a 1x5.'

success thanks for all the help.