Oh no! Damaged my bike.

[Midlife]

Isn't it the same thread as an axle from a wheel......I'm sure I've used an old axle screwed on and then straightened using mole grips on the axle until straight...

This was quite a few years ago so I might have dreamt it LOL

Shaun

 

[hydorah]

Isn't it the same thread as an axle from a wheel......I'm sure I've used an old axle screwed on and then straightened using mole grips on the axle until straight...

This was quite a few years ago so I might have dreamt it LOL

Shaun

You are correct, the mech's B axle is the same thread as a rear wheel axle

Not a bad idea as you'll have something long to sight along for alignment

 

[Andy B]

Isn't it the same thread as an axle from a wheel......I'm sure I've used an old axle screwed on and then straightened using mole grips on the axle until straight...

Yes it is the same thread

My preferred method is a proper mech hanger tool

Then if I have to do a bodge it's wheel axle time

Last resort is adjustable spanner

Luckily working in a bike shop gives me access to a mech hanger tool, bloody good job too. I used to casually lob my clockwork over gates on trails.... until I bent the hanger...

 

[ishaw]

Why not try a vice instead of an adjustable spanner?

 

[Andy B]

Why not try a vice instead of an adjustable spanner?

Too easy to over do it with a vice.

Gentle persuasion is needed.

 

[MikeD]

Having something in the threads, be it a proper tool or a wheel axle, is a good idea -- it's possible to distort the mounting hole when straightening with spanners and then you can't put the mech back.

The proper tool is splendid, and using spanners feels epically wrong once you've sampled the real thing. But spanners works if you're careful. Harder with twists than straight bends, though. I like to use two spanners, one on the hanger and one on the dropout forward of the axle slot. Gives you something to lever against other than the frame itself and when the two spanners are parallel, you're done.

As for why it happened, I suspect an already slightly bent hanger and possibly a bit of a worn and sloppy mech conspired to hook the bottom end of the cage into the spokes when you shifted.

 

[weeman_mtb]

Isn't it the same thread as an axle from a wheel......I'm sure I've used an old axle screwed on and then straightened using mole grips on the axle until straight...

This was quite a few years ago so I might have dreamt it LOL

Shaun

I came across a similar tip on here using an axle but still mounted in a wheel. One wheel in your frame, one wheel in your hanger, tweak the second one until the two are parallel.

 

[danson67]

I've got a Minoura hanger gauge/tool you can borrow for the postage....just a thought.

It's all too easy to screw up the hanger thread or open/close the dropout.

All the best,

 

[drawis]

Right. Getting there.

In terms of a new chain, what should I be looking at?

Derailleur is an xt m739, crankset xt750. Have a 7 speed cassette (might put an 8 speed in if it ever needs replacing)

So am I looking for an HG something or other? Or an IG (wiggle have some of these at good prices). What's the best fit?

Thanks in advance...

 

[hydorah]

IG = Interactiveglide
HG = Hyperglide

You could figure out if your cassette is HG or IG (should be marked) or you can use an IG chain with cassettes of either type, so just go with IG