shadaboot28

I have just finished polishing the GB alloy bars off my Raleigh Lenton. It took me bloody ages! But I'm very satisfied with the finish! But I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to put the brakes levers on without scratching the bars? I always struggle to get the Steel Raleigh brake levers onto racing bars without them digging into the metal when you push them round the curves.

Heres a picture of the bars and levers as so you know what I'm dealing with. The levers are thick steel and even when you take the tightening nut and bolt out they still scratch the bars.



Thanks

markk900

The only sure fire way in my mind is to bend the mounting ring out enough to have a very loose fit, then bend it back when in position. But that seems barbaric.

3speedslow

This way, with minimal force.

jyl

Sand the inside of the band to remove sharp edges.

Chombi

Depending on the state of your lever clamps. Minimal/no scratching can be had with most NOS levers that never had their bar clamps tightened against a bar, but once they are used, some levers like old Shimanos, tend to shape their clamping bands into permanent, tight circular shapes that then make them hard to remove without scratching the bar. Other brands (I noticed, most of the French ones I had used) that tend to retain a more "U"-like shape clamping band are usually easier to remove and re-install on bars without scratching them.....

Oldpeddaller

The good thing is, even if the bars do get scratched at the bottom, this is usually covered in tape or rubber grips.

smontanaro 

I'd remove the clamps from the levers so you can fiddle with them more, then use a bit of grease.

SJX426 

The only levers i have experience with are Shimanos, Campagnolo, Suntour, Tektro, Cane Creek, Mafac, and Universal, they all have the same issue.

I have spread the band after removal enough to improve and avoid scratching. Typically, I put the band on first, then the body. This allows me more control of the band placement. Also, rotating the band as you engage the bend will often help as the band is no longer round, like the bend. The bend will be "wider" and less deep through the bend so rotating the band with the mounting stud or feature toward the center of the bar will often help.

Homebrew01

Yup. I never tried too hard to avoid scratches.