Stuck Stem! Options?

Jimbo · #1 07-10-2015, 09:46 PM

Hi All:
Just picked up a beautiful Tommasini frameset with one small problem. Quill stem well and truly stuck. The expander bolt is out. Its the alloy stem stuck to the steel steerer.
Currently soaking with Liquid Wrench (nice smell!).
If that doesn't work, what is my next option? Cut it off, then drill it out, then ream? Is this something any competent bike shop can do?
Any options very much appreciated!
Thanks,
Jim

icepick_trotsky · #2 07-10-2015, 09:58 PM

Try PB plaster from the auto parts store. Worked for me.

zmudshark · #3 07-10-2015, 10:11 PM

What kind of stem? Do you know what the bottom of the stem looks like? Conical or wedge?

You have options before you resort to sawing.

Jimbo · #4 07-10-2015, 10:14 PM

TTT but can't really see the end very well.
Thanks,
Jim

Quote:

Originally Posted by zmudshark

What kind of stem? Do you know what the bottom of the stem looks like? Conical or wedge?

You have options before you resort to sawing.

thirdgenbird · #5 07-10-2015, 10:26 PM

Did you tap on the bolt before you took it out to help break the wedge free?

Jimbo · #6 07-10-2015, 10:27 PM

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by icepick_trotsky

Try PB plaster from the auto parts store. Worked for me.

Jimbo · #7 07-10-2015, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdgenbird

Did you tap on the bolt before you took it out to help break the wedge free?

That was it! The bolt was out when I got the frame. Never occurred to me anyone would take out the bolt and not give it a tap.
Its out!
Thanks,
Jim

thirdgenbird · #8 07-10-2015, 10:30 PM

I take payment in the form of pictures (big tommasini fan)

Jimbo · #9 07-10-2015, 10:34 PM

Ha! I can afford that.
Will post once I get it built.
Cheers,
Jim

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdgenbird

I take payment in the form of pictures (big tommasini fan)

thirdgenbird · #10 07-10-2015, 10:36 PM

What's the frame and build plan?

Jimbo · #11 07-10-2015, 10:41 PM

Its a Tecno and the build will be mostly Record 9s.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thirdgenbird

What's the frame and build plan?

giverdada · #12 07-10-2015, 10:43 PM

same thing happened on my cannondale from the 80s after i was involved in a horrible collision and had to re-center the stem and put in a new bar. no moving that stem. so i came home to my parents' place and my dad got out the come-along. jacked that sucker between two trees with webbing around the fork crown and the come along on the stem. pulled it out with a bang. i had tried everything before, including coke and liquid wrench. glad you got it out.

thirdgenbird · #13 07-10-2015, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Its a Tecno and the build will be mostly Record 9s.

Sweet. Love my ELOS tecno.

shovelhd · #14 07-11-2015, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giverdada

same thing happened on my cannondale from the 80s after i was involved in a horrible collision and had to re-center the stem and put in a new bar. no moving that stem. so i came home to my parents' place and my dad got out the come-along. jacked that sucker between two trees with webbing around the fork crown and the come along on the stem. pulled it out with a bang. i had tried everything before, including coke and liquid wrench. glad you got it out.

Now that's a McGuyver solution. Must have been fun to watch.