Folding bike headset question

[the_saucerer]

Hi all

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I just got my hands on a 2nd hand Dahon folding bike.

There seems to be a little play in the headset but as this is my first folder I'm not sure if this is inherent in folders or not.

Would anybody know if it is inherent and have any ideas on how to fix it? I have some experience of changing threadless headsets on mountain bikes but I'm not sure about folder headsets.

Thanks again
Best

Ben

[DaveM]

Definitely not "inherent" to folders. A little tough to tell from the photo, but it looks like an older style threaded headset. I think the silver ring in the pic with the notch in it is one of the adjusting lockrings. Look up adjusting threaded headsets for basic instructions.

[the_saucerer]

Thanks for your reply. I managed to tighten it up a little bit (enough to stop it from shaking) with a screwdriver in one of the notches you see below but do you know if there is a tool to tighten it properly?
[attachment=4593]

[DaveM]

There's a pretty standard headset tool made for that type of lockring, but it's made to rest on the side of the ring. It looks like that big teardrop shaped piece would interfere with the tool.

[the_saucerer]

(10-29-2013, 01:26 PM)DaveM Wrote:  There's a pretty standard headset tool made for that type of lockring, but it's made to rest on the side of the ring. It looks like that big teardrop shaped piece would interfere with the tool.

Sure, I took it to the LBS today and they tightened up the bottom lockring with said tool but couldn't tighten the inner one so I bashed a flat head screwdriver and tightened it at least for now.

Thanks for your help!

[GeorgeET]

The tool needed is a hook wrench of the corect size or adjustable.

http://www.parktool.com/product/crank-and-bottom-bracket-wrench-hcw-5

http://www.parktool.com/product/crank-and-bottom-bracket-wrench-hcw-5


http://www.amazon.com/Armstrong-34-305-4-3-Inch-Adjustable-Spanner/dp/B00004WBHZ

[the_saucerer]

(10-29-2013, 03:06 PM)GeorgeET Wrote:  The tool needed is a hook wrench of the corect size or adjustable.

http://www.parktool.com/product/crank-and-bottom-bracket-wrench-hcw-5

http://www.parktool.com/product/crank-and-bottom-bracket-wrench-hcw-5


http://www.amazon.com/Armstrong-34-305-4-3-Inch-Adjustable-Spanner/dp/B00004WBHZ

As Dave pointed out I don't think I'd be able to get to the lockring due to the "teardrop" shaped piece.

[GeorgeET]

The thin open hook wrench will fit. I think Dave was thinking of a different tool.

Although a screwdriver or better a small drift and a few taps with a hammer will do the job.

[the_saucerer]

ah ok I see, I hadn't seen that tool before - thanks for that

I ended up using the screwdriver, seems fine for now at least but if it comes loose again I will look at getting a hook wrench.

Thanks!