Park Tool Headset Press - HHP-2 vs HHP-3?

[maximus]

I need to just bite the bullet. I am debating between "home mechanic" HHP-3 (http://www.parktool.com/product/home-mechanic-bearing-cup-press-hhp-3) which or what appears to be a much more capable tool (at twice the price) HHP-2. (http://www.parktool.com/product/bearing-cup-press-hhp-2)

What has been your guys personal experience? Is the HHP-2 worth the extra cash given that I won't use it but once or twice a year? Satisfied with the lowly HHP-3?

:beer:

[Mark McM]

How often do you plan to use the headset press? If not more than once or twice a year, just make your own - parts available for just a few bucks at your local hardware store:



http://forums.bicycletutor.com/attachment.php?thumbnail=246

http://forums.bicycletutor.com/thread-922.html

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1010/712089264_c73a926541_o.jpg

http://www.bikecommuters.com/2007/09/29/homemade-headset-installation-tools/

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1113/5100181534_7fd2869c16_b.jpg

http://bostonfixed.us/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=3854

[ultratoad]

I need to just bite the bullet. I am debating between "home mechanic" HHP-3 (http://www.parktool.com/product/home-mechanic-bearing-cup-press-hhp-3) which or what appears to be a much more capable tool (at twice the price) HHP-2. (http://www.parktool.com/product/bearing-cup-press-hhp-2)

What has been your guys personal experience? Is the HHP-2 worth the extra cash given that I won't use it but once or twice a year? Satisfied with the lowly HHP-3?

:beer:

I started out with a "home made" as suggested and it works fine if you are very careful-- keeping the cups very straight as they are pressed in (check alignment every 1/4 turn).

I ultimately purchased an HHP-2 and have never looked back-- flawless, excellent leverage, and user friendly. I also purchased the Chris King specific adapters (I am a King believer) for the press which pretty much make for a perfect installation.

I am a tool guy, and I smile every time I full the press out of it's protective tube sock!

[maximus]

I thought about the homemade route - but for a bit extra cash and a little extra hassle I could scoop a HHP-3.

Anyone using one?

[45K10]

I like the copper pipe fittings; that is a good idea

[ultraman6970]

The copper thingy works awesome, it will keep the cup in place. U need just one of them because u can only make 1 cup at a time.

Made one myself.

[Peter P.]

I use a homemade unit such as the one in the top photo of Mark McM's post.

For a consumer, I'd get the HHP-3 if I wanted to avoid the aggravation of cobbling together the parts for the homebrew model. It's worth the extra cost for the convenience of "buy it and be done with it".

My tip with regard to using either tool is to press in only one cup at a time. When I try to install both cups simultaneously it LOOKS cool, but when they begin to go in cockeyed and I try to force them to straighten out, it makes me wonder whether the forces on the headtube are doing unhealthy things.

Pressing in one cup at a time eliminates any crooked cup frustration.

[oldpotatoe]

I need to just bite the bullet. I am debating between "home mechanic" HHP-3 (http://www.parktool.com/product/home-mechanic-bearing-cup-press-hhp-3) which or what appears to be a much more capable tool (at twice the price) HHP-2. (http://www.parktool.com/product/bearing-cup-press-hhp-2)

What has been your guys personal experience? Is the HHP-2 worth the extra cash given that I won't use it but once or twice a year? Satisfied with the lowly HHP-3?

:beer:


Thanks-

[maximus]

Thanks-

You're welcome?

If there were Vecchios in DC and I would worry about such things in the first place.

[OperaLover]

If you can afford the HPP-2 then get it. It is pretty foolproof. You will have an heirloom quality tool to pass on to your decendants. You will also make friends with everyone you lend it to.

[Marcusaurelius]

I always use HHP-2. It works great. I don't want to repeat the mistake a made with a park home truing stand. I eventually acquired a TS-2 and it's worked well for several years now.

It costs so much more when you buy the cheaper home model.

[ultraman6970]

NO cr@p here in the area and the few guys that have the good stuff charge too much to even go to ask, I know are stores but either way...

Hmm need a campy tattoo...

[Louis]

My home-made press works fine for me. I suppose the fancy models are a tad simpler to use, and perhaps a bit more fool-proof, but since I'm the only fool using mine, I can live with that.

Edit: those Teflon (?) washers are a good idea. I think I'll get some to add to mine.

[Orrery]

I do the home-brew tool method. Works fine for me but I do this rarely and on fairly moderately priced steel frames.

I'm having a problem getting a headset off though... old Deore threaded headset doesn't want to come out. I even bought the proper tool for it. I keep whacking away but it doesn't move. This weekend I'm going to get medieval on it.

[maximus]

Cool - sounds like I will save some money. I would love to swing an HHP-2 - but if cheaper yields similar results without much issue...

I gotta say I don't have a whole lotta love for the shops around here. Not only that, but it's always a bummer watching someone do a job you would find joy in doing yourself.

[vintag3]

I made my own headset press similar to those pictures above and I must say that using those copper pipe fitting made the headset cups fit in much easier.

[oldpotatoe]

You're welcome?

If there were Vecchios in DC and I would worry about such things in the first place.

You changed your first draft of the post...as a bike shop, I appreciate it.