Would this be suitable to cut my steerer tube?

[bigfella]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290340391957&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Thanks for the assistance.

 

[TheDoctor]

If the tube is metal, then yes.
If it's carbon, then no. You'll wreck carbon cutting it with a pipe cutter.
Personally I'd use a hacksaw...

 

[02GF74]

what material is the steerer?

those are desinged for plumbing i.e. copper pipe whcih is soft and much tninner wall than your steerer.

having said that, I have used that type of tool to cut steel pipe - it knackers the cutting wheel though.

you can stat to use it to put a mark then use junior hacksaw.

or fit a jubilee clip and make saw cut next to it.

it is not essential for the steerer to be absolutely square - you can always file it down.

 

[TheDoctor]

It's not essential for the steerer to be square at all!
No need to file it then.

 

[bigfella]

LOL @ TheDoctor.

Its a steel steerer tube.

I don't have a vice so thought this would be easier to get a nice straight cut.

 

[jimboalee]

A 32 tpi hacksaw blade.

The tooth pitch needs to be less than the tube thickness or it will keep catching.

 

[hodsgod]

Jimboalee is 100% correct, the steel in a steerer tube will require a 32 t.p.i. hacksaw blade. That cutter is definitely the wrong tool, it's for plumbers and copper pipe.

 

[bigfella]

I just thought it was a better quality version of this, which is listed as a bike tool.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ICETOOLZ-stee..._Cycling_Tools_RepairKits?hash=item3a5408758a

 

[andrew-the-tortoise]

Yep if metal, just go steady with it don't over tighten the cutting tension, go clockwise a few turns then anti-clockwise a few 'till it feels loose then increase the cutting tension and repeat. Be careful not to go wonky and cut a thread down the tube!

I have used these to cut down my steerer tube, did a neat job. Have also used similar tools at work to cut down small diameter stainless steel tubing.

The cutting blade may need changing after a few steerer tubes !

The 'Hacksaw' method is also quite valid.

 

[bigfella]

I'll cut it too long with the tool first to test I think. Cheers.

Once its cut do I need to use some paint to touch up the exposed edge?

 

[andrew-the-tortoise]

Won't need painting, maybe a little grease. It is not exposed to the elements once the cap is screwed in place.

 

[bigfella]

Thanks Andrew, I will look forward to receiving my Bob Jackson!

 

[jimboalee]

On another thread, I have said I have become reluctant to give advice.

However, as I am such a nice person , here's some advice about cutting the steerer.

"Do not cut it until you are 100%, definitely, absolutely SURE you are happy with the stem height".

Cut it too short and then find the H/bars a little low, you will need a 'raiser/angled' stem.

 

[bigfella]

Will do, I will check it a few times and then again before I cut.

I have 45mm of spacers ready anyway!

 

[Jonathan M]

Will do, I will check it a few times and then again before I cut.

I have 45mm of spacers ready anyway!

Don't forget to include the headset stack height!