jyl

For the bike shown below, I need a headset wrench with pins pointing at each other. Kind of like a pin wrench for a bottom bracket adjustable cup, but with the pins oriented differently.



Does anyone know where to find something like that?

I assume the original 50 y/o tools cost a bundle and live in collections. I'm hoping there is a work-around that functions well enough to not damage the headset, which is unobtanium.

dsbrantjr

I think you should look at the hook spanners that are available, I think that was what used originally.

FBinNY 

Actually there used to be a pretty cool tool made for this job. I believe it was by Campy, but don't hold me to it. It had 2 arms with pins, mounted on slides in a tapered handle. You positioned the pins, and as the arms slid in the pins came together and locked to the headset part.

I last saw one about 40 years ago, but you can still (I think) buy a Var 13. The pins can me moved from the face (for bb cups) to the inside for headsets. If you really want one, try Mel Pinto Imports. However they aren't necessary, and with a bit of improvisation, you can save your dough and adjust this headset with stuff on hand.

JohnDThompson 

I don't know about Campy, but I have VAR's version:

FBinNY 

Here'a the Campy puppy. aka a 772 tool

If you can;t find one, you can make one of your own by carefully forming a spoke. Save yourself the first bend by filing or grinding off the head, leaving the elbow. The rest is some straightforward bending work.

I

JohnDThompson 

There's a VAR #13 on eBay right now (not mine), with a BIN of $50 and free shipping:

Item number: 300829010057

HillRider

Ask any old auto mechanic if he has a "GM Window Handle Tool" Many years ago General Motors cars had their interior window winder handles (remember hand cranked windows?) attached with circlips that were hidden inside the door panels. The "tool" was a very thin pair of angled pliers with two pins projecting inward that was inserted behind the exposed flange of the handle to grasp the clip and pull it off. A royal PITA to use for it's intended purpose but it's shaped pretty much like what you need.

waldowales

Unless that is a really small headset, the GM tool is not big enough.

jyl

Ah, thank you all. I see that I have some reasonable options.

63_dorinte

Pin spanners are very common in industrial applications. They can be obtained from suppliers like MSC, McMaster, and others.



The tool pictured above is a 3/4" - 2" adjustable spanner. It is a Armstrong 34-351, but Proto and other companies make them as well. You will need to verify that the pin diameter fits your application, as different diameters are available. That may be much less expensive than a vintage bicycle-specific tool.

FBinNY 

But pricier than a bent spoke. $1.00 or less plus 5 minutes work.

HillRider

Mine is. It opens far enough that it could be used as a lockring tool on a cup-and-cone bottom bracket and easily spans the cup on a 1-1/8" headset I tried it on. I've never used it for either but it is big enough.

Airburst

Somewhat OT, but can we please see a picture of the bike?

JohnDThompson 

The problem with the bent spoke is that you won't be able to get enough torque on the locknut to hold things in place.

But the OP's locknut is knurled, so judicious use of a pliers might be sufficient.

HillRider

That's another possibility. A pair of Vise Grips or Channel Locks with curved jaws and padded with cloth or leather scraps should do the job.

jyl

It is here - cosmetically pretty darn rough, but complete and a re-grease/tires away from ridable.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...er-Old-Bianchi

onespeedbiker

I'm thinking you could insert some drill bits (back end first) into the holes ..

jyl

Well, whaddya know. I called Velo Cult. "Sky, you have a VAR #13 tool for an old Bianchi headset?" "Let me check. [pause] Yeah, I've got a few of them."

cny-bikeman

You seriously want to acquire a tool that you will likely never need again, for a rusty headset, whose locknut has already been knocked a few times with a drift punch, when the cable hanger between the locknut and top race pretty much eliminates the need for two tools? Save your money for something more useful.

FBinNY 

Of course. This is the BF, where some people never saw a tool they didn't like. This is moral justification to buy a tool based on "need".

jyl

Nope, I am relieved that I can simply bring the bike to Velo Cult and have a beer while they overhaul my old headset with (two of) the correct tools for a ten spot.

I do believe in always buying the special tool, but I am still trying to procure an inexpensive Stronglight puller for my Frenchies. There is a tool queue here.

jyl

I am weak. The VAR #13 is mine. I am weak.

FBinNY 

Enjoy.

JohnDThompson 

Not weak; prudent. 50 years from now, when Velo-Cult's mechanics are several generations beyond those familiar with the VAR #13 and have long since dumped those perplexing tools, you or your descendants will still be able to overhaul the headset on your Bianchi.

jyl

I love it when lack of self control turns into noble virtue :-)