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I'm trying to extract the external headset cups from my aluminium frame.
If I'm [i]careful[/i], surely I can do this with a bit of gentle tapping, a flat-bladed screwdriver and a hammer?
Anyone hand any experience with this sort of approach?
Or is there a better way - one that doesn't involve forking out ££s for specialist tools I may only use once every 5 years?
Any ideas? 🙂
First hand experience.
You are using the right tools.
Might need to hit it harder than you think to get it moving!
I usually whack mine out with an old seatpost.
you need to do it from thru the fork tube - a piece of 22mm copper pipe with teh ends split and splayed works well - or any other drift if you are careful really
As you describe should work (assuming you're meaning working from the inside), although an old seatpost or handlebar, or a bar of that sort of diameter will be slightly better, as it will contact more of the cup.
And make sure you keep moving the contact point around the headset as you tap it out to reduce the chance of ovalising the headtube.
you can make your own tool from a length of 22mm copper pipe (30 - 50cm should be enough). use a hack saw to cut a cross through it (10 -15cm) and splay the ends.
Edit:- looks like TJ beat me to it