thread cutting

[g-ratter]

Is it possible to cut additional threads onto a fork stem?

 

[jerrykr]

yes, if your LBS has a die to cut them. The die is pretty expensive to own yourself.

 

[Tailwinds]

The die is about $120, and the large handle is an additional, and considerable expense.

I took one to my LBS just yesterday to have it done. It did not turn out well. For some reason they determined that it was a 26tpi thread and not a 24tpi, they were very wrong. Also, the threads they did cut were awful, nearly unusable. But since they cut the 26tpi they ruined the fork anyway.

I would suggest that you be very specific with them about what you want.

 

[udallcustombikes]

Member 65rat purchased a fork die from his LBS for around $30 (if I remember correctly). Now it is not the same quality tool that you would find in the lbs, but for the general guy on here I think it would do the job. I would get one myself, but should the time come that I might need one, I will just go see him.

 

[Tailwinds]

For $30 I'll buy one. Where, what, how?

 

[Spincycle]

A used tool store may have a die. If you don't want to buy a "die stock" (handle) you can try to find a die that has a hexagon outer profile. Put your fork in a vice and turn the die with a wrench. Or put the die in a vice and turn your fork into it. Just dont tighten the vice on the die too much or you could cut your threads over size or even shatter your die. KBC Tools and Travers have good prices and selection on new tools.

 

[udallcustombikes]

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=27453&p=273830&hilit=fork+die#p273830

 

[B607]

I got mine from Enco and they work great. $6.95 for the handle and $34.95 for the die. Gary
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=318-2013
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=314-2174

 

[KZ1000]

Is 1-24 the most common size or 1-26

 

[Tailwinds]

1-24.

 

[12bcruzin]

A used tool store may have a die. If you don't want to buy a "die stock" (handle) you can try to find a die that has a hexagon outer profile. Put your fork in a vice and turn the die with a wrench. Or put the die in a vice and turn your fork into it. Just dont tighten the vice on the die too much or you could cut your threads over size or even shatter your die. KBC Tools and Travers have good prices and selection on new tools.

I do not recommend a used die...or even a bike shop die unless they swear that it is reasonably new. I had a bike shop tell me they coulf thread a very rare fork for me and when I inspected their die, I found that the die was dull and even had chips knocked out of a couple of teeth-and they were still using it. They had no clue that the thing could actually wear out.
The threads on forks are very fine and the dies do not last as long as a regular thread die. Once the die gets dull, it will do more damage than good. Buy the $35 die and a proper handle from Enco or others and save your fork.

 

[g-ratter]

You guys got me scared so I just welded 3/4 of an inch to the head tube using a donor bike. Probably a better idea since it gives me more room to weld on my top tube.
Thanks for al the help!

 

[krate-mayhem]

Just wanted to thank you all for the die info.