How to re-attach stem quill expander nut?

[swee'pea99]

I know, I know - don't ever un-attach it. But I did. And now I cannot get it back, for love or money. The bolt simply will not engage in the nut...the nut jiggles about inside the head tube. I've tried screwdrivers, skewers, bamboo, you name it. I just cannot keep the nut level long enough for the bolt to engage. It's driving me NUTS! And yes, I know I've only mesen to blame. But if anyone *does* have any cunning suggestions....

*sigh*

 

[chillyuk]

I must be missing something here.

Why can you not remove the stem, tip the nut out of the head, screw onto expander bolt then reinstall stem into the head.

 

[PatrickPending]

[quote name='swee'pea99' timestamp='1304248671' post='1650901']
I know, I know - don't ever un-attach it. But I did. And now I cannot get it back, for love or money. The bolt simply will not engage in the nut...the nut jiggles about inside the head tube. I've tried screwdrivers, skewers, bamboo, you name it. I just cannot keep the nut level long enough for the bolt to engage. It's driving me NUTS! And yes, I know I've only mesen to blame. But if anyone *does* have any cunning suggestions....

*sigh*


[/quote]

i take it its stuck in the head tube? turn the bike upside down and try and poke it out, reassemble and re fit

 

[ufkacbln]

i take it its stuck in the head tube? turn the bike upside down and try and poke it out, reassemble and re fit

Be careful though as all that poking could be misconstrued

 

[swee'pea99]

Thanks for all suggestions. Especially the last, hem hem. Sorry, should've mentioned the stem was stuck fast in the head tube. Anyway, sorted it out in the end. There's about two hours of my life I'm never getting back...