Compression plug instead of a star nut in a steel steer tube?

[InspectorGadget]

I know I can use a star nut, but is there any reason I couldn't or shouldn't use a compression/expander plug in my 1" steel steer tube?

http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net/32001107/images/fs602.jpg


Image stolen from ebay.

[zandrrr]

I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work fine, but depending on which one you use it may or may not fit in a 1" steerer.

[Dave]

It would most likely not expand far enough, since carbon steering tubes have a much smaller ID.

[Kontact]

It may also tend to slip. Go ahead and try it.

[Chance]

See little harm in trying it if you already own it. The plug is only pulled up to preset the headset bearings, so when stem is clamped down to steerer, slipping won't be an issue.

[zandrrr]

It would most likely not expand far enough, since carbon steering tubes have a much smaller ID.

Oh wow, yep, that's a good point, and the complete opposite of my thought that it might be too big to fit.

I guess ultimately as long as it fits into the tube initially and expands enough it's fine. :)

[Kontact]

See little harm in trying it if you already own it. The plug is only pulled up to preset the headset bearings, so when stem is clamped down to steerer, slipping won't be an issue.

If it never grabs the inside of the hard, slick steel steerer, you'll never be able to preload the bearings. That's the slippage I'm referring to. Carbon and resin are much softer and tackier than steel.

[Ramjm_2000]

Ive used one without problem. I do recommend scuffing the inner wall of the steerer when installing.

[Bob Loblaw]

I have done it, works fine. Some headsets only come with expansion plugs.

BL

[oldpotatoe]

I know I can use a star nut, but is there any reason I couldn't or shouldn't use a compression/expander plug in my 1" steel steer tube?

http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net/32001107/images/fs602.jpg


Image stolen from ebay.

Since it is just there to adjust the headset, as long as it fits and it tight when you do, adjust the HS, sure use one.

[Dave]

I just noticed that the OP's steerer is a 1" model.

You'd have a hard time finding an expanding plug made for anything other than a 1-1/8" carbon steerer. The plug might actually be too large to fit into a 1" steel tube.

[InspectorGadget]

I just noticed that the OP's steerer is a 1" model.

You'd have a hard time finding an expanding plug made for anything other than a 1-1/8" carbon steerer. The plug might actually be too large to fit into a 1" steel tube.
The photo I posted is a 1" plug found on ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/FSA-Compressor-1-Black-Expander-Plug-and-Top-Cap-/390444701467?_trksid=p4340.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%2 6asc%3D11%26meid%3D824959791467639492%26pid%3D1000 11%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D1%26).

Thanks for the responses!