Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


How important is a keyed washer?
#1
I'm going to be installing a new fork on a bike with a threaded headset, and the new steerer tube doesn't have a keyway, the way the old one did.
What's the better option, to cut a keyway into the steerer tube, or file off the tab on the keyed washer? Is there some other choice I haven't thought of?
  Reply
#2
If you solidly lock the parts together they will hold fairly well without a keyed washer. There is another option - Google "locking headset nut."
  Reply
#3
(11-22-2014, 04:24 PM)cny-man Wrote:  If you solidly lock the parts together they will hold fairly well without a keyed washer. There is another option - Google "locking headset nut."

Thanks for the info! I guess I'll just file off the tab on the washer then, and maybe use one of those locking nuts. Another thing I just saw when I googled it was to use locktite, maybe I'll use that.
  Reply
#4
Yes locktite works good . I use it frequently on my motorcycle fasteners. Use locktite blue. The red requires heat for removal and is used for studs.
Never Give Up!!!
  Reply
#5
(11-22-2014, 08:34 PM)GeorgeET Wrote:  Yes locktite works good . I use it frequently on my motorcycle fasteners. Use locktite blue. The red requires heat for removal and is used for studs.

Thanks. I'll use the blue stuff then, if I go that way. I'll have to get a headset wrench too, although in a pinch I guess I could manage with one wrench, but it would make adjustments trickier.
  Reply
#6
No, you really should have two wrenches, though the upper can be a plain adjustable.
  Reply
#7
(11-22-2014, 10:35 PM)cny-man Wrote:  No, you really should have two wrenches, though the upper can be a plain adjustable.

I know, I'll get one before I install the fork. I've never had one, because up to now I've never had a problem using just one wrench, but that was with a keyed washer. Unless I change my mind and add a keyway to the steerer tube! How difficult would that be anyway? Anybody done it? Could I use a file and do it by hand?
  Reply
#8
The easiest method would be to use a small grinding attachment attachment on a Drexel type tool.

the purpose of a keyed wake is to discourage movement of two parts. Prettier procedure is to still use two wrenches.
  Reply
#9
You can grind a keyway . However the earlier suggestion of a lock nut is IMO a better way to go.
Never Give Up!!!
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
6,970
04-22-2013, 01:36 PM
Last Post: Epiphron

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Continued learnings from bikepacking
Today 02:01 AM
What are the pros and cons of using a 26...
Today 01:55 AM
I got new Tioga FASTR X Tires (Ask Me An...
Yesterday 03:18 PM
Are You Riding the TDF
Yesterday 12:20 PM
Tour de FRANCE 2025
Yesterday 09:52 AM
The great thing about trikes
Yesterday 09:27 AM
Japanese Bike Brands
Yesterday 08:27 AM
Gandolfi "Super" model 1985-86 racing bi...
07-04-2025 01:33 PM
How I used to clean my bike
07-03-2025 04:43 PM
Cassette shifting Problem
07-03-2025 02:51 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. GirishH
23 posts
no avatar 2. Flowrider
19 posts
no avatar 3. meamoantonio
17 posts
no avatar 4. Jesper
14 posts
no avatar 5. enkei
13 posts