Park Headset Tools

[bjf]

I'm going to get a set of headset tools and am trying to decide between the HHP-2 -- shop quality press -- and the HHP-3 -- home mechanic press. The difference is about $80. Anyone have experience with either one?

[BoCo]

I'd not buy the HHP-3, as you could probably come up with something equivalent with a quick trip to a good hardware store. I've not used the HHP-2, but have the similar VAR and Cyclus presses. The Cyclus is a nice alternative between the Park models and it has thrust bearings to eliminate tweaking the cups. I think you can find it for less than the Park HHP-2.

[eBAUMANN]

if you install a lot of headsets or press fit bb's, the hhp-2 is worth every penny.
its the one tool that i praise every time i use it.
if you have the money, just go for it!
:beer:

[purpurite]

Another option is about $15 worth of 5/8-11 12" long threaded rod and a container of matching washers and bolts from Home Depot. I was all hellbent on getting a real headset press to do the job "properly," and decided at the last minute to go for the redneck headset press.

In retrospect, it was a smart decision, as I spent the extra cash still in my pocket on new tires and tubes. And the headset pressed in perfectly with a little patience and attention to detail.

[David Tollefson]

The HP3 is essentially equivalent to all-thread and an assortment of washers and nuts. I've gone that route, and it works... but not well. If you are going to do more than a couple headsets a year, the money will be long forgotten every time you use the better quality tool.

[kramnnim]

Whenever I try to use my threaded rod+washers, the cups go in crooked. Maybe because the OD of the rod is so much smaller than the ID of the cups?

[Gsinill]

Another option is about $15 worth of 5/8-11 12" long threaded rod and a container of matching washers and bolts from Home Depot. I was all hellbent on getting a real headset press to do the job "properly," and decided at the last minute to go for the redneck headset press.

In retrospect, it was a smart decision, as I spent the extra cash still in my pocket on new tires and tubes. And the headset pressed in perfectly with a little patience and attention to detail.

^^
this

I added some hard wood pieces that I had left from shortening the legs of a table; helps to protect the HS cups.
Did about 5 headsets so far and never had a problem; like upon3 said: patience and aligning the cups from the beginning is key...

http://s11.postimg.org/wtugd3m9v/Untitled_3.png

[bjf]

I looked into the Cyclus, and it's on sale at Wiggle for less than the Park HHP-3. It looks like it will hold alignment better also, and it gets great reviews. Just ordered it. :beer:

[Gummee]

While I've never used a home made press, I do have both a consumer level and Park Headset press these days.

It took many years for me to get to the point where I *had* to buy a press vs bribing my buddy (mmmm beer!) at the local shop to press in a headset.

Once I *did* buy one, it freed up that beer for me, it kept the trips to the LBS down some, and made HS (and now pressfit BB) installations routine.

The Park press does it better, but overall, the consumer version and a removal tool are a pretty good investment *IF* you're going to keep building bikes with 'normal' headsets.

With the proliferation of inset/integrated/etc headsets, a press isn't nearly as useful as it was just a few years ago. For example: the last half dozen bikes I've built haven't needed a headset pressed in. They 'plop' in.

M

[pinkshogun]

getting yourself a real crown race remover is money well spent

[kramnnim]

getting yourself a real crown race remover is money well spent

Yes, you'd have to get quite creative to come up with a DIY solution from Home Depot...

[Tony T]

The Nashbar (http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchDisplay?searchTerm=headset+press&catalogId=10052&cn1=&langId=-1&gast=headset+press&storeId=10053&URL=CatalogSearchResultView&ddkey=http:PBSearchTermAssociationsCmd) Press is of decent quality for $79:

http://media.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/50/BN-HP-NCL-TOP.jpg

[druptight]

The Nashbar (http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchDisplay?searchTerm=headset+press&catalogId=10052&cn1=&langId=-1&gast=headset+press&storeId=10053&URL=CatalogSearchResultView&ddkey=http:PBSearchTermAssociationsCmd) Press is of decent quality for $79:

http://media.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/50/BN-HP-NCL-TOP.jpg

It's $69.99 when I click, plus they have a 20% off code on their front page.

[SoCalSteve]

I own lots of Park Tools. Never once regretted buying great tools. Using great tools makes it easier to build bikes. And, makes you a better mechanic.

[zmudshark]

I own lots of Park Tools. Never once regretted buying great tools. Using great tools makes it easier to build bikes. And, makes you a better mechanic.
^^^^^^ I have never regretted buying a quality tool. Buy the shop version, or keep your eyes open. I found mine in a CL ad for a lot less. Sometimes Goodwill even has Park tools in my hood.

[DRZRM]

Yeah, I got a shop quality Park HS press and never looked back. It probably has not quite paid for itself yet, but it is close. If I hadn't put it off so long, it would certainly be in the black by now...I put it off way too long. I do want a crown race remover.

[bjf]

getting yourself a real crown race remover is money well spent

Here's my thought about the crown race remover -- it's the most expensive of the headset tools, it's much easier to take a fork to the LBS than a headtube (with bike or frame attached, of course), and usually my LBS doesn't charge anything to remove or install a crown race. Very different cost/benefit than the headset remover and press. So I decided to skip the crown race tools.

[SoCalSteve]

Here's my thought about the crown race remover -- it's the most expensive of the headset tools, it's much easier to take a fork to the LBS than a headtube (with bike or frame attached, of course), and usually my LBS doesn't charge anything to remove or install a crown race. Very different cost/benefit than the headset remover and press. So I decided to skip the crown race tools.

I bought the Park version of the remover, yes expensive. I don't think it will ever pay for itself except in the convenience of not having to go to my lbs for something so easy to do ( with the proper tool ).

[David Tollefson]

The Nashbar (http://www.nashbar.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchDisplay?searchTerm=headset+press&catalogId=10052&cn1=&langId=-1&gast=headset+press&storeId=10053&URL=CatalogSearchResultView&ddkey=http:PBSearchTermAssociationsCmd) Press is of decent quality for $79:

http://media.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/products/50/BN-HP-NCL-TOP.jpg

That's the one I have now. Works very well.

[AJosiahK]

HHP-2 for sure. devil is in the details and the 2 is made quite well. dollars are in the details too but its worth it.

[chiasticon]

I own lots of Park Tools. Never once regretted buying great tools. Using great tools makes it easier to build bikes. And, makes you a better mechanic.this. I have the HHP-2 and don't regret buying it; does the job perfectly, quickly, and even enjoyably. it was on my list for a while and I just waited until I found one for 20% off to pull the trigger. I honestly use it more for press-fit BB's than headsets. and I've lent it out to a few friends, pressed in their BB's and gotten a few six packs out of it. worth it. :beer:

[druptight]

This thread got me ebaying presses, and it's shocking the number of people selling $5 worth of home depot items for $50 to do your headset work:

example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MTB-Tools-Mountain-Bike-Bicycle-Tapered-Headset-Press-Toolset-1-5-to-1-1-8-/261445662247?hash=item3cdf603627:g:tQ0AAOxy0x1TQYe f

^^That ebay listing says 62 sold!

That's $3,100 worth of gross cash income, probably $2,500 net of fees/cost of goods. I need to start making this crap and undercutting people.

[Rimbaud]

I have mixed feelings on Park tools, as the quality of individual tools varies wildly. When I think of tools that Park does right, the HHP-2 is the first one to come to mind.

So yes, it's worth the additional expense.

[bewheels]

This thread got me ebaying presses, and it's shocking the number of people selling $5 worth of home depot items for $50 to do your headset work:

example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MTB-Tools-Mountain-Bike-Bicycle-Tapered-Headset-Press-Toolset-1-5-to-1-1-8-/261445662247?hash=item3cdf603627:g:tQ0AAOxy0x1TQYe f

^^That ebay listing says 62 sold!

That's $3,100 worth of gross cash income, probably $2,500 net of fees/cost of goods. I need to start making this crap and undercutting people.

I was just about to post this ebay store's listing.
Though you have a great point, the person is at least providing customized/machined caps that appear to fit various bearing races.

[11.4]

If one is installing Chris King headsets with the Chris King installation parts, it really helps to have the Park -2 installer. It's too easy to have a cup start to go in sideways, especially with the bigger 44 mm head tubes these days. There are lots of specialty cup presses made for bottom brackets that also can do the job on head tubes, and have features and cost and beauty far beyond the Park. They are a delight to use, but the Park can do pretty much anything and does it without fail. Sooner or later, that bolt and washer assembly will cause problems and when it does, it can be a pain or can be downright expensive. Not a place I'd compromise.

[shovelhd]

I have the Bike Hand press. For BB30 I use a set of washers as the Park mandrels will not fit on the shaft. Works OK.