Does anybody have experience cutting a fork steerer tube (STEEL) using a hacksaw?
Would a pipe cutter work on a steel fork tube? If not, what blades do you use to cut through?
by MaxTrixLe
Does anybody have experience cutting a fork steerer tube (STEEL) using a hacksaw?
Would a pipe cutter work on a steel fork tube? If not, what blades do you use to cut through?
by MaxTrixLe
14 Comments
I always use a 24tpi metal blade in a hacksaw and also a cutting guide to ensure a straight cut, then a file to get rid of the sharp edges
https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/repair-help/fork-steering-column-length-and-sizing
I’m a hacksaw guy, and would use a 32 tooth-per-inch bi-metal blade.
I prefer hacksaw and a guide, and a finer blade with steel than aluminum, but you don’t need to overthink it.
Easy job.
100% get a cutting guide. Trying to eyeball it is a very bad idea!
I used a 32 tpi metal blade and a guide from AliExpress. Don’t forget to account for the thickness of the expansion plug. Mine turned out fine, worried so much for nothing.
I used a pipe cutter on mine, it worked great.
My preferred method at home is a rotary pipe cutter with a steel blade ( many come with a blade for cutting copper as standard but blades are cheap ) it’s just quicker and less fuss. At my shop I use a 32tpi bladed hacksaw with a cutting guide https://www.parktool.com/en-int/product/threadless-saw-guide-sg-6
I prefer the saw at the local bike shop. I too was nervous about hacking a brand new fork. Bike shop only charged 55$ to fit my fork entirely.
I did the rest of the bike myself but didn’t want to fuck up the star nut or crown, or get the tools for it when I don’t plan on doing a lot of work swaps
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You’ll probably still want to visit the shop to get the star nut in. I know you can sort of get them just screwing in the top cap bolt and hammering on that, but to get it perfectly straight there’s a tool called a star nut setter that keeps it straight while hammering.
I use a pipe cutter and then debur with a pipe debur tool. You know, install the fork, make your mark and cut 1/8 lower than the mark. Dont forget your star nut.
Pipe cutter! Then rub the fresh cut on the pavement to smooth it down
Whatever I find first, don’t overthink it.