Can I bend the dropout back?

[sowestport]

I hope this dropout isn't too damaged and can be bent back. It's suppose to be about 10.5mm spaced, but it's bent closed to about 7.4mm

Please help! This is my Steelman Eurocross!!!

[oldpotatoe]

I hope this dropout isn't too damaged and can be bent back. It's suppose to be about 10.5mm spaced, but it's bent closed to about 7.4mm

Please help! This is my Steelman Eurocross!!!

I bent back ones more bent than that. Hole in handle of a big adjustable wrench wth somebody holding rest of frame. Put some 'H' tools to check dropout alignment when done. However, you always run the risk of it cracking or breaking but can't really ride it the way it is. BE gentle, go slowly.

[sowestport]

I bent back ones more bent than that. Hole in handle of a big adjustable wrench wth somebody holding rest of frame. Put some 'H' tools to check dropout alignment when done. However, you always run the risk of it cracking or breaking but can't really ride it the way it is. BE gentle, go slowly.

Thanks OldPotatoe!

[cmbicycles]

If you have a 10x1mm bolt (old trashed derailleur mounting bolt) it wouldn't be a bad idea to thread it in the derailleur hole before torquing down, just in case it starts to push on the area around the hole.

[sowestport]

If you have a 10x1mm bolt (old trashed derailleur mounting bolt) it wouldn't be a bad idea to thread it in the derailleur hole before torquing down, just in case it starts to push on the area around the hole.

Right on! Don't want to screw up by deforming that derailleur hole.

[Tandem Rider]

From the photos it looks like the hanger took a good shot sideways as well. After you get the slot opened up, the face flat and parallel to the left drop, put a hanger alignment tool on it. Re-check the dropouts after you do the hanger.

[likebikes]

yeah, no worries.

[sowestport]

From the photos it looks like the hanger took a good shot sideways as well. After you get the slot opened up, the face flat and parallel to the left drop, put a hanger alignment tool on it. Re-check the dropouts after you do the hanger.

I think you maybe right. Thanks for bringing that to my attention!

[Ralph]

If you have a 10x1mm bolt (old trashed derailleur mounting bolt) it wouldn't be a bad idea to thread it in the derailleur hole before torquing down, just in case it starts to push on the area around the hole.

I bought a bolt in that size from local hardware store......it's an important part of my tool box. Chase threads, etc.

[kingpin75s]

I just used a large hex wrench inside the dropout as a lever for one that was pinched in shipping. Good enough to space it straight back into place.

I had no side movement however. I have not realigned that way but may be able to clamp it to bring all to the same plane after opening the dropout back to 10.5mm.

[gemship]

I am feeling kinda sarcastic but how about just taking a file or grinder to it? It would make that slot bigger without chancing a crack,breaking or stressing the metal,eh?

[AllanVarcoe]

Bend it back!

Might not be a bad idea to have a shop check the rear end alignment after you've repaired it. Or make your own similar tool to the Park Tools FAG-2 (http://www.parktool.com/product/frame-alignment-gauge-fag-2).

Frame Alignment Gauge Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9bPiAi_KQc)

You'll also want to align the centerline of the dropouts as well.
Dropout Alignment Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsU8IkkFaok)

[sowestport]

Fixed! Now I need to take to LBS to check derailleur hanger alignment.

Thanks everyone for suggestions and giving me the confidence to do this.

BTW, RJ the Bike guy sent a good video on how to do this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzKpoOQvnPc

I used my big crescent wrench with a hole in the back end. I was afraid of breaking the wrench or the dropout, but the dropout started spread without a fight. I spread and checked about 8 to 10 times, so each time was a fraction of a mm spread.

:banana::banana::hello::hello::beer::beer:

[ultraman6970]

If you have 2 axles and bolts you can use the parallel method to correct the angle of the rd hanger. Not that hard to be honest.

[sowestport]

If you have 2 axles and bolts you can use the parallel method to correct the angle of the rd hanger. Not that hard to be honest.

Hmmm. I guess I should first make sure the dropouts are square using two axles and bolts. Then I use two axles (1 for the derailleur hanger and one for the adjacent dropout) to make sure their parallel?

[Columbus SLX]

Nice work! Steel is forgiving enough to withstand bending like this once or twice before it work hardens. Aluminum, no chance. Ride and enjoy.

[ultraman6970]

http://i.imgur.com/ukDViZX.jpg


https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/files/90b5c7afaa955772d068a64d9eb2f20d77907f9d.jpg



Hmmm. I guess I should first make sure the dropouts are square using two axles and bolts. Then I use two axles (1 for the derailleur hanger and one for the adjacent dropout) to make sure their parallel?

[ultraman6970]

And here you have another thread, I have the parts to do some like this but just havent done this one yet... there's 2 designs here, probably you even have the stuff at home to do this...

http://www.huckingkitty.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1443&p=34670

[chismog]

It's steel, bend it back. As others pointed out, you can't really ride it that way.

I feel like this is the time to mention that a Park DAG tool has been a great purchase for my shop. I've been surprised at how often I use it. After years of not having one, and putting up with less-than-stellar shifting as a result, I can't believe I didn't get one sooner. Pretty much every bike I have needed some adjustment. Solves all of the potential problems you guys mentioned- threads, alignment, etc.

http://www.treefortbikes.com/images/raw/TF-TL8369-1.jpg

[gaucho753]

Glad you could save it. I was able to salvage a dropout that was more severely bent, however the hanger threads were too far gone and slightly ovalized once the dropout was re-aligned. In my case, I ended up completing the fix with some Wheels Manufacturing Dropout Savers (http://wheelsmfg.com/dropout-saver.html). Hopefully you're able to chase and salvage the threads.

[redir]

Nice save!

How did that happen in the first place?

[Formulasaab]

What is it with Steelman frames getting damaged this way? My LE-10 was similarly damaged when I received it...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161208/508d88c774046fcaf2f37e98c28fcb05.jpg

I was successful at bending it back. I then checked the alignment of the frame with the Park FAG-2, the dropout alignment with the Park FFG-2, and the derailleur hanger alignment with the DAG-2. Everything was a little off but now fixed.

Ever since getting the DAG-2, it has become one of my favorite tools.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sowestport]

And here you have another thread, I have the parts to do some like this but just havent done this one yet... there's 2 designs here, probably you even have the stuff at home to do this...

http://www.huckingkitty.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1443&p=34670

That's cool!

[sowestport]

Nice save!

How did that happen in the first place?

Shipped and the frame wasn't secure and the rear wasn't protected.

[sowestport]

What is it with Steelman frames getting damaged this way? My LE-10 was similarly damaged when I received it...

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161208/508d88c774046fcaf2f37e98c28fcb05.jpg

I was successful at bending it back. I then checked the alignment of the frame with the Park FAG-2, the dropout alignment with the Park FFG-2, and the derailleur hanger alignment with the DAG-2. Everything was a little off but now fixed.

Ever since getting the DAG-2, it has become one of my favorite tools.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The guys who pack bikes need to make sure that the rear is completely protected from any impact. At a minimum, they need to put in the dropout supports, but they should also protect the derailleur hanger from any impact as it just hangs there.

[sowestport]

http://i.imgur.com/ukDViZX.jpg


https://lfgss.microco.sm/api/v1/files/90b5c7afaa955772d068a64d9eb2f20d77907f9d.jpg

Nice. Pictures are worth a lot!!

[Formulasaab]

The guys who pack bikes need to make sure that the rear is completely protected from any impact. At a minimum, they need to put in the dropout supports, but they should also protect the derailleur hanger from any impact as it just hangs there.

Agreed.

My most recent approach to this has been to cut an 130mm (or as appropriate) long piece of 2x4 and screw it to the dropouts with a couple of screws and fender washers padded with cardboard so they don't scratch the paint. The 2x4 is fitted so that it is oriented up/down (north/south) and extends below the derailleur hanger. Then a final screw (with padded washer) is driven through the derailleur hole to maintain the orientation.

Sorry. I don't have a photo.

[sowestport]

Agreed.

My most recent approach to this has been to cut an 130mm (or as appropriate) long piece of 2x4 and screw it to the dropouts with a couple of screws and fender washers padded with cardboard so they don't scratch the paint. The 2x4 is fitted so that it is oriented up/down (north/south) and extends below the derailleur hanger. Then a final screw (with padded washer) is driven through the derailleur hole to maintain the orientation.

Sorry. I don't have a photo.

There you go! I can see it in my mind. Thanks for the hint as I have some fames that need to be shipped.

[redir]

Oh that's too bad. I always ship with an axle or I'll just make a wood insert into the dropouts to prevent that.

[sowestport]

Here she is now with her sister.

[ultraman6970]

Advice for everybody, if you have to ship and you dont have those plastic axle separator things, look in your house and use a block of polystyrene and impale the rear of the bike in there, put some tape so it doesnt go anywhere and good to go. What i do is to grab a piece same wide as the box, impale the rear in it and then drop the frame inside, frame wont even get a scratch unless obviouslye the guys damage the box somehow but the rear will be undamaged.

I do the same with forks.

Another way, pieces of wood and make the separator with it, a broom stick... etc. so many things can be used to protect the drop outs.

[sowestport]

Advice for everybody, if you have to ship and you dont have those plastic axle separator things, look in your house and use a block of polystyrene and impale the rear of the bike in there, put some tape so it doesnt go anywhere and good to go. What i do is to grab a piece same wide as the box, impale the rear in it and then drop the frame inside, frame wont even get a scratch unless obviouslye the guys damage the box somehow but the rear will be undamaged.

I do the same with forks.

Another way, pieces of wood and make the separator with it, a broom stick... etc. so many things can be used to protect the drop outs.

I love the impaling technique!