Best way of removing headset cups

[Bryncrug72]

Stripping two bikes apart this weekend, what's the best way to remove headset cups ? In the old days I did it with a screwdriver and a hammer, just wondering is there another way ?

 

[Bryncrug72]

That is is if you haven't got a headset removal tool !
( should have added that bit in ) !

 

[Jussa]

That is is if you haven't got a headset removal tool !
( should have added that bit in ) !

I use an old Seatpost it's Aluminium so won't damage the cups when you strike it with a mallet or hammer. You can cut a cross and splay the Seatpost out so it touches the rim of the cups, headset removal made simple

 

[Bryncrug72]

What a good idea ! I will have two of them come Sunday ! Best get the hacksaw out ....

 

[cyb]

Sometimes I use a spare plastic pipe, about a meter long, to use with a little hammer.
It wears out soon but never damages headset cups.

c

 

[stesnape]

Buy a headset remover, £12 on fleabay, works a treat. :facepalm:

 

[Bryncrug72]

That's a good idea as well, I've a length of high impact conduit in the garage a short length of that might work, if not I'll hack saw the seatpost !
I wasn't going to get the screwdrivers out ! That was in the days when we didn't know better and there wasn't a forum to ask !

 

[xxnick1975]

To be fair, nothing wrong with a screwdriver and hammer and taking care

 

[bm0p700f]

But a headset remover ( a good one that is) makes easy work of this job. Proper tools make the difference when things get difficult and if you are going to work on bikes then why not use the correct tools for the job rather than making do all the time. I have found the screwdriver method takes to much time.

A coupe whacks of a hammer with a proper cup tool and you are done.

 

[Rampage]

Using a screwdriver presses it out unevenly and isn't good for aluminium frames.