Here's how I made a frame crimping tool that allows greater force/precision than the "vice grip" method.
I bought a set of Harbor Freight 24in bolt cutters.
I cut a piece of 3/4” rolled stock and piece of HREW pipe, then cut the pipe in half.
I ground them smooth because I didn’t want sharp edges affecting the bike frame’s metal.
I cut some chunks out of the bolt cutters (and the cutting edges) and welded the two pieces on either end. Took them home and smoothed them out again. I made it so it wouldn’t clamp completely because I worried about hurting the frame.
Once built, you heat the crimping section with a torch then crimp away.
If you don't have an industrial acetylene torch, then you can get a cheap one from a lot of different places. This one is $25 at Lowes. They don't burn as hot, and take longer, and you'll run out of fuel sooner, but I got 6 crimps done before I ran out of propane with one.
Good luck!
I bought a set of Harbor Freight 24in bolt cutters.
I cut a piece of 3/4” rolled stock and piece of HREW pipe, then cut the pipe in half.
I ground them smooth because I didn’t want sharp edges affecting the bike frame’s metal.
I cut some chunks out of the bolt cutters (and the cutting edges) and welded the two pieces on either end. Took them home and smoothed them out again. I made it so it wouldn’t clamp completely because I worried about hurting the frame.
Once built, you heat the crimping section with a torch then crimp away.
If you don't have an industrial acetylene torch, then you can get a cheap one from a lot of different places. This one is $25 at Lowes. They don't burn as hot, and take longer, and you'll run out of fuel sooner, but I got 6 crimps done before I ran out of propane with one.
Good luck!
