Pogliaghi123

Hello I am trying to find a park tool hts-1. I have a few frames I need to straiten out. There’s a tool like it that was made by the guys at MSU. I’d like to find the original discontinued park tool version at some point but until then I was thinking about trying to make my own. How could one make this tool for their self?

joeruge

I can see how the tool would push out a head-tube if the down tube has been crunched in a little by a head-on accident. I'm not exactly sure how the tool would straighten a head-tube that's twisted out of alignment with the rest of the frame, which seems to be another likely result of a less than perfect head-on collision.

Looking at the photo you provided, it doesn't actually seem that complicated to make. From what I can tell, it appears to rely on brute force and not precision to achieve it's aim. If I had a need, or maybe a desire, I could probably make this tool. But then again, I have a shop; mill, lathe, mig welder, etc. and some know-how. However, if I really had to use a tool like this, I would be asking myself, is the bike frame I'm trying to straighten really going to be worth the trouble and be safe to ride after I'm done? I expect also that it is intended for steel frames only and would not work for aluminum frames.

In a kind way, I'm also sort of thinking that if you're asking how to make it, are you going to be knowledgeable enough to use it properly?

Crankycrank

You might get more answers in the "Framebuilders" section. Ask the moderators if they can move this there.

veganbikes

Do you know what you are getting yourself into? This is a long out of production tool but you might find an older shop or a framebuilder that has one and a mechanic that knows how to use it.

Andrew R Stewart 

Having the park tool just 20' below me in my basement and also having used a few other tools that all do the same thing I will say this is a powerful method and with great power comes great responsibility. Here are some thoughts.

- The head tube can become deformed locally if not reinforced, the headset is the usual way to add thickness. Do know that the headset cups can also distort so a replacement there might be needed.
- What spec will the bending out stop at? Do you know the OEM geometry of the bike's size (and published specs might not be size specific) And how will one measure this stopping point? Of course there will be spring back to account for.
- Any deformed localizes areas (buckles, ripples) won't be pulled out well as they will have been hardened by the initial stress/bending beyond the material's elastic point. So expect a less the smooth and likely a "wandering" tube surface.
- Additionally to this is that the tubes will bend where they are the weakest. This might not be about the headtube, I have seem straightening effects at the BB and the seat tube...
- These tools only address the in plane miss alignment. Any twist will need different methods and tooling, to both measure and straighten.
- Other types of these tools have used car jacks as the forcing device.
- I would only consider steel frames to be suitable to straighten. Thin wall, high grade, tubing will be harder to align well then lower cost high ten steel frames.
- Many times when the frame has suffered a big enough impact to bend it the fork will also be bent. Another layer of alignment and considerations opens up like Pandora's box lid.

If you were near me I would invite you to bring a worthless frame and I would give you a chance to experience this type of aligning, but with no location given in your profile... Andy

Pogliaghi123

Been collecting a long time. Straitened many frames. Does anyone have any tips on making the tool?

Pogliaghi123

in the kindest of way, I wish I could just have my questions answered on these forums.

gearbasher

Can't help you to find one, but here's a thread showing it. And what it can do.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...take-note.html

As far as making one, you could probably fabricate one using a floor jack post as a basis:

https://www.amazon.com/Vestil-FJB-36.../dp/B08GG7FRPQ

Andrew R Stewart 

Pogliaghi- Where are you? besides my offer for you to use my tool I also have a massive threaded rod (w/o measuring I'd say a 1" diameter and about 24" long w/ 2 nuts on it already) that would make a great basis for this type of tool. It's yours for free if you can pick it up. Fabrication of the two ends should be easy for someone who can work with metal. Sorry but I can't get ant better in helping you then this offer. Andy

dedhed

How could one make this tool for their self?
With the proper fabricating tools and skill set to use them, or pay someone who does.
https://www.parktool.com/assets/doc/product/HTS-1_Parts-Diagram.pdf
https://www.grofa.com/de/p/park-tool...hts-1-4001018/
https://cycleinn.co.nz/products/park-tool-hts-1-head-tube-straightener​​​​​​

To make your own look at 3 point hitch toplinks and leveling arm assemblies.
The other place I'd look is load binders. Basically you need a fairly heavy duty turnbuckle for a base to fabricate your desired ends to.\
​​​​​​https://www.agrisupply.com/top-links/c/4900018/

lasauge 

Bumping this thread - I actually had one of these Park tools before I dramatically downsized my shop/collection a couple of years ago... and now I have the perfect candidate frame for using it on. Anyone have one or know of a shop that does in the LA region?

blinky

Just checked Ebay and that tool isn't there .

blinky

I've gotten lots of great advice and very thoughtful responses to pretty much all my questions on this forum - looking at the responses that you've gotten I'd say they're pretty good - Park doesn't make the tool you need anymore and fabricating one is something I'll bet most of the members here haven't done - answers to tough questions sometimes require a lot of legwork on the part of the person asking the question - good luck !!

JustaUser

... Is there anyone in/near the South San Francisco Bay Area that has one of these to loan me for 30 minutes (or a home-made setup)? ... A Bicycle Frame is asking this, not me ...

maddog34

sure.. go to a Tractor Dealer... that is a link for attaching accessories to the rear of a tractor... AKA: "Category 1 adjustable top link for a three point hitch" or "Cat.1 top link" usually works.... about $30 or less..... adapt as needed. There will be various sizes and lengths in stock... determine what length range you will need before going shopping.

here's an extremely brutal version that could rip a bike frame completely in half !
i've seen one of these used to lift a fairly large tractor up to replace a rear tire....
https://www.agrisupply.com/adjustabl...jack/p/106054/