I would like to remove a threaded 1" headset from a frame, however I don’t actually have any of the appropriate tools to remove the top and bottom cups.
Is there any way to do this without the tools, or am I just going to damage the frame and fork in the process?
Dreamin’? 
something like this should get the cups out
i have a spanner you can borrow anytime (that’s not a euphemism, either).
Here’s a simpler version that works just as well:
And here’s my aluminium version that I used successfully (scroll down a bit), although I admit copper would have been better, if more expensive:
do you actually want to keep the cups in usable condition?
If not, just get a nice big drift, screw driver, chisel etc and tap them out with a hammer. I think there is something about it on Sheldon’s site…
I use an old piece of hard wood (like dowel) and just hammer it around the edge of the cup from the inside.
It takes a bit longer because the edge doesn’t always catch and the wood gets chewed up pretty quick. But I have never damaged a cup.
The way I did it was using a big adjustable wrench loosely over the top of each cup, and using a hammer on the flat side of the wrench to push the cups out with a bit of chux between the wrench and cup. Might be good way to damage the cups but worked for me.
Hey mckenny, you think I have a workshop to build something like this? :lol:
Fuck it, the headset’s staying on.
Thanks for all the tips. As usual I learnt a thing or two reading this.
Of all the components, the headset install/remove is the one thing I have no idea how to do properly (oh, and wheel building, gear adjustment, and bearing overhauling…)
It’s easy Horatio. You can do it with a large screwdriver and a hammer or mallet, so long as you’re patient, take your time and tap it lightly around the edge of the cup until it comes out.
Failing that, spend $20 on a headset cup remover 
I’ve decided I’m over old, obsolete bike components. The Eddy Merckx is being dismantled 
Sell it to me
I probably will sell it at some point. I hate having a bike that just sits there staring at you and you never ride it.
Isn’t 55cm square too small for you snowflake? 
Nah I can make that work.
Just give me a call when you’re sick of looking at it
i’d be happy to take sloppy seconds on that dibs from snowflake. 55cm will def work for me. :mrgreen:
Does three make a train?
1st in line- snowflake
2nd- nikcee
3rd - Snail
4th- eBay
Just be careful anyone who buys it of the cracks in the tubez
For those looking for a cheap AND simple solution, try this idea:
(which, now I’ve read the full thread carefully is what Hakucho recommended. Must be a spate of headset removals going on …
Took me about 5 mins to hacksaw and about $6 worth of copper tubing. Mind you, its not pretty - I wished I had my metal band saw out from storage. Still…
Worked like a dream! Knocked the cups from 4 frames for painting in under a minute! It was a bit of an anti climax in the end after all the horror stories I’ve been given.
Putting them back? I got some 3/4in threaded rod and built one of these:
All up, about $30 in parts from Bunnings - the most expensive being the copper tube - I had to buy more than I needed
-JB
I’m beginning to doubt your dedication Horatio. Come talk to me when it get’s to 6 bikes that you never ride.
Ah your doubts are well founded I’m afraid. :oops:
Who wants crappy steel frames anyway- crabon is the future!! You heard it here first my friends… :mrgreen: