How important is a keyed washer?

[J. Hanley]

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?

[cny-man]

If you solidly lock the parts together they will hold fairly well without a keyed washer. There is another option - Google "locking headset nut."

[J. Hanley]

(11-22-2014, 08:24 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.

[GeorgeET]

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.

[J. Hanley]

(11-23-2014, 12:34 AM)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.

[cny-man]

No, you really should have two wrenches, though the upper can be a plain adjustable.

[J. Hanley]

(11-23-2014, 02:35 AM)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?

[cny-man]

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.

[GeorgeET]

You can grind a keyway . However the earlier suggestion of a lock nut is IMO a better way to go.