Typical Tools and Supplies Needed

• Park Repair Stand
• Measuring Caliper
• Kingsbridge Premium Cutting Oil.
• Degreaser, Citrus or Detergent based
• Paper Towels
• HTR-1 Head Tube Reamer and Facer Park HTR-1
• HTR optional accessories as needed:
• Park 690-XL Facer for ZS "low profile" head tubes
• Park 768 Pilot for ZS "low profile" head tubes,used with 690-XL
• Park 756-S Reamer/Facer Set for IS "Cane Creek®" type standard head tubes
• Park 758-S Reamer/Facer for OnePointFive Inch standard head tubes
• Park 761-S Reamer/Facer Set for Campagnolo® Hiddenset standard head tubes
• Park 750 Adaptor Cone for use with large ID head tubes
• Park 769 Head Tube Reamer Extension

This article will discuss the reaming and facing of the head tube. For the integrated headsets, see Integrated Headsets below. See also related articles:

• Visit our Headset 101 page 1 to read about Bicycle Headset Standards and Nomenclature.
• Visit our Headset 101 page 2 to read about Working with Traditional Threaded Headsets.
• Visit our Headset 101 page 3 to read about Working with Threadless Headsets.
• Visit our Tool Use Tips page 2 to read about Fork Crown Cutting Tips.
• Visit our Tool Use Tips page 3 to read about Fork Column Cutting Tips.
• Visit our Tool Use Tips page 4 to read about Fork Column Star Fangled Nut Tips.

The headset of the bicycle consists of two sets of bearings, one each at the top and bottom of the head tube. To work well, these bearing races must be aligned to one another and to the fork steering column. During manufacturing, the welding may cause the head tube to become warped and deformed. It is then necessary to re-machine the head tube faces. This is accomplished with the HTR-2 Head Tube Ream and Facer.

The machining of the top and bottom surfaces of the head tube, called facing, can be tracked by using the paint as a marker for cutter progress. As the facer cuts more material, paint is removed. Any remaining paint indicates a lower area than a fresh cut. If the frame has no paint, use a permanent-marker or "machinist dye" as a marker. The headset bearing needs a fresh cut completely around the head tube.

When there is a clean cut completely around the head tube, the process if finished. The cup has a square face to reference when it is pressed. It is not necessary the cut be the same thickness around its circumference.

It can happen that the facing tool will skip or chatter over a cutting surface. Chatter can often be controlled by changing turning speed and pressure. The type and hardness of the material will also affect the amount of chatter. After facing, light spins on the facer will minimize chatter. Even if the head tube appears to have slight chatter marks, these are all the same height, and typically do not effect the quality of the machining. The head tube is still squared even with chatter marks.

Many headset cups are held in place by a "press fit". The headset cup has a slightly larger diameter than the head tube inside diameter. Generally, differences of 0.1-0.25mm are considered adequate for a press fit. If the pressed cup is more than 0.3mm larger than the frame inside diameter, it may be very difficult to install, and frame damage may result.

If the press fit difference is from 0mm to 0.05mm, the press fit may be weak, and may result in movement during use. It may be possible to find a different headset cup that is slightly larger to improve the press fit. Otherwise, a strong grade of bearing retaining compound is recommended. If the headset cup is actually smaller than the inside diameter of the head tube, a new headset with a larger diameter is recommended.

The HTR-1 comes with a 30.0mm reamer and 4 pilots (one each for JIS, One-inch "Modern-European", 1-1/8-inch, and 1-1/4-inch). 33.8mm reamer (part #754) for the 1-1/8-inch standard is also available as an accessory. The pilots may be used in place of the reamer if the inside diameter requires no reaming. Reaming is only required if the press fit diameter difference is too great. To install either the reamer or pilot, remove the retaining nut. Install the reamer or pilot. Replace the retaining nut and tighten fully. The retaining nut must be secure to keep the reamer from spinning.

1. Measure outside of headset cups to be pressed and compare to the inside diameter. When measuring head tube inside diameter check in two different directions and average the readings. Determine correct reamer or pilot and install onto the HTR-1.

   

2. Install HTR-1 into head tube.
3. Install lower quick release cartridge with tapered end facing upward. Lubricate cutting edges with cutting fluid, such as Kingsbridge Premium cutting oil. Re-apply often.

   

4. Adjust cartridge upward until touching frame, then add 3-4 turns spring pressure.
5. Remember to re-apply fluid often.
6. Turn handle CLOCKWISE only for both reaming and facing.
   • When reaming, add tension on cartridge below as reamer enters frame head tube.
7. Remember to re-apply fluid often.
8. When facer engages head tube, turn three or fours. Stop to check progress.
9. Loosen cassette to relieve spring tension, and depress quick release. Lower centering cone well below head tube, or remove. Turn handle clockwise while pulling upward.
10. If machined metal appears in a complete circle, head tube is faced.
11. Continue to face if necessary. Generally, it is better to remove only the material necessary.
12. Remember to re-apply fluid often.
13. When facing is complete, loosen centering cone tension fully until cone is not touching head tube. Turn centering cone back into head tube. STOP the moment cone contacts frame. The cone should center the tool, and should provide no pressure on facer. Spin facer with light hand pressure to remove burrs and to minimize any chatter.

    

    Use light spins with the facer and low pressure to remove burrs and to minimize chatter.
14. Remove HTR-1 and repeat process on other side.
15. Use de-burring tool or round file to remove sharp edge on inside of top tube.

    

16. Clean the bike of cutting fluid and clean cutting tools. Do not use compressed air to clean cutting tools or bike.

There are now available headset cups have a relatively long insertion into the head tube. The head tube may require further reaming to allow these headset to fit. The Park 769 Head Tube Reamer Extension will allow for reaming down to just over one-inch (26mm). Check with frame manufacturer if in doubt about frame integrity.

NOTE: All cutting tools will eventually require re-sharpening. With use, the cutting edge will dull. While there are many variables that play a role in how long a cutting tool will stay sharp (e.g. technique used, amount and type of lubrication used, type of material being machined, etc.), in general, have the tool re-sharpened once a year. Tools can be re-sharpened by The Tool Grinder (phone 805.546.1331), a service that specializes in sharpening cutting tools for the bike industry, or by a local industrial tool grinding company.

The 756-S comes as a pair, with an upper and lower cutter. The upper cutter takes a shallow cut for the upper part of the head tube. The lower cutter is a deeper cut. It is important that the cutters be used in the correct part of the frame. Only once cutter is installed and used on the Park HTR-1 at a time. NOTE: As with any facing tool, inspect for clearance to all frame parts such as at downtube.

There is a practical test of the bike to determine the need for machining. Place a bearing into the head tube. The bearing is a loose slip fit, and there will be some motion or rocking in the bearing. Place a thumb on either side of the bearing and press alternatively downward to judge the amount of play. Move to front and back edge of bearing and repeat the test. If the bearing has more play in one orientation than the other, the bike will typically benefit from machining.

It is important with these cutting tools to stop and re-check the cut often. Take only the minimal cut necessary.