How To Remove Stuck Handlebar Quill Stem - Worst Case Scenario!

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  • Опубликовано: 23 ноя 2013
  • I have been asked several times how to remove a frozen quill stem. But none of the bikes I was working on had frozen stems. Or they were only a little bit stuck and were so easily removed that it wasn't worth making a video. Then I hit the jackpot with this bike. It was an old Schwinn I had sitting in my garage. They don't get any more stuck than this one! I started with penetrating oil. Then vinegar to dissolve the rust. Heat gun the expand the metal and break the bond. Hitting it with a hammer. I finally resorted to cutting it off.
    Check out my video of removing a stuck stem with a cable puller winch:
    • Removing Seized Handle...
    I found a stem that was even worse!!! I ended up disolving it using drain cleaner:
    • Removing Seized Quill ...
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Комментарии • 1,2 тыс.

  • @RJTheBikeGuy
    @RJTheBikeGuy  5 лет назад +29

    For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button 🛑 and click the notification bell ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy

    • @iron327
      @iron327 4 года назад

      RJ The Bike Guy how do I fix my bike if the handle bars bent back after the bike switched gears? like the whole handlebar thing just bent back.

    • @iron327
      @iron327 4 года назад

      Ian Brown I actually found out how to fix it. It was because the steering wheel mount thing was too loose so while I was riding the handle bar thing would move up and down so I loosened it then retightened it so now it doesn’t move. but now it’s making a weird sound when I pedal? Is that normal? Like the medal is scraping.

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  4 года назад

      @@iron327 If your bars are bent, replace them. They are dangerous.

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  4 года назад

      @@iron327 ruclips.net/video/84YpHC6523s/видео.html

    • @iron327
      @iron327 4 года назад

      Ian Brown sorry I don’t know much about bikes lol

  • @nowhereman5119
    @nowhereman5119 4 года назад +164

    This was truly epic!! Never have I seen someone fight a private battle so hard, despite the numerous failures, and still come out on top - without once losing his temper or cool! Sir - I nominate you for the President of the world!

    • @josephvalenzi7791
      @josephvalenzi7791 Год назад +5

      well said!!!

    • @small_chickens1026
      @small_chickens1026 2 месяца назад

      I had no idea this was going to lead me through the motivation path it did.
      So cool headed.

    • @skateandgeekout
      @skateandgeekout Месяц назад

      He gets my vote, I'm dealing with the same problem and if I made a video there would be a lot more beeps on it.

  • @andy484995
    @andy484995 8 лет назад +530

    when people have a bad day they just need to watch this.

    • @areagial
      @areagial 3 года назад +4

      yeah. I feel a little better now....

    • @evelknievel2000
      @evelknievel2000 3 года назад +6

      I’m having his bad day right now

    • @pratamacarwash7890
      @pratamacarwash7890 3 года назад

      Ha hah ha

    • @evelknievel2000
      @evelknievel2000 3 года назад +4

      @@pratamacarwash7890 turned my bad day in a good day with some brute force!

    • @JesseABN
      @JesseABN Год назад

      Haha. That was awful.

  • @stephenimsong3462
    @stephenimsong3462 8 лет назад +364

    Anyone else felt the need to cheer him on in the end? Must have been a great feeling.

    • @sonomama82
      @sonomama82 8 лет назад +2

      totally agree

    • @mtlnascarfan
      @mtlnascarfan 8 лет назад +17

      +Stephen Imsong Have to congratulate you on your tenacity, RJ.
      I woulda been tempted to stuff TNT into the tubes and just blow the damn bike into the next town.

    • @MarkCranerium
      @MarkCranerium 8 лет назад +5

      It was so satisfying to see that finally come out after weeks of work.

    • @policekiller5614
      @policekiller5614 8 лет назад +9

      .....Months of work. lol

    • @mknight007
      @mknight007 7 лет назад +4

      The exciting in the guys breathing as it was getting loose and coming. Never been so excited to see a stem come out!

  • @jotrishacook6089
    @jotrishacook6089 6 лет назад +110

    "And that's how you remove a frozen stem!" this man is amazingly patient!

  • @etaoinbshrdlu
    @etaoinbshrdlu 3 года назад +32

    This is one of the most honest YT videos I have ever encountered. Tenacity, endurance, never quitting! Well done.

  • @Kevin-uz9dv
    @Kevin-uz9dv 5 лет назад +126

    several years ago, i tried restoring a used bike. i searched youtube for a guide to separate the fork. out of the 100k+ (not an exaggeration) videos ive seen on this platform, this man's journey is and probably will always be my favorite video. i love this man's grit to finishing a job, no matter the lack of any progress. truly makes me happy, thank you

    • @Cambodimerican24
      @Cambodimerican24 3 года назад +2

      Wow I just purchased a vintage Murray hybrid bicycle and it has a very similar stem configuration. I’m attempting to upgrade the stem and swap out with a new set of handlebars and was scouring the net for anything that looked similar and this by far was the most enjoyable video I’ve seen! Gotta love his persistence and determination to get that stubborn thing out 👍🏽

    • @tomcatt998
      @tomcatt998 Год назад

      RJ has better videos than park tool

    • @peterwillson1355
      @peterwillson1355 Год назад

      100k IS an exaggeration.

  • @dperique
    @dperique 8 лет назад +53

    Congratulations. You are one patient guy! I would've thrown that thing in the garbage a long time ago out of sheer frustration. The fact you got it out calls for a big celebration.

    • @jdovak1589
      @jdovak1589 7 лет назад +3

      dperique ...No, No, No!! ...Out by the street for guys like me that will get'R done 😃😃😃

    • @CantoniaCustoms
      @CantoniaCustoms 2 года назад +1

      I'm the type of guy that'll say "screw this, I'm getting the angle grinder"

  • @paragb
    @paragb 3 года назад +5

    Really appreciate the super effort he made and ended with "And that's how you remove a frozen stem". No energy left, tired but not defeated!!! Loved it!

  • @greekgeek410
    @greekgeek410 9 лет назад +11

    Rebuilding an old 1972 Raleigh Grandprix for a Christmas present for my girlfriend. Stem was absolutely stuck and was not moving. I remembered watching this video so I tried everything I could in hopes I wouldn't have to cut it, but failed. I resorted to cutting it, but used a different method, since I didn't have a hacksaw that fit inside the stem. I cut the stem about 3/4in above the steerer tube, then removed the fork from the frame. Turned the fork upside onto the stem piece, and with one brisk hit on the ground the stem broke loose. No damage to steerer tube or fork and surprisingly easy! Thanks for the help. Your videos are a great watch when I have some free time. Very educational.

  • @yvens001
    @yvens001 8 лет назад +92

    The struggle was real lol

  • @afofosho159
    @afofosho159 3 года назад +21

    I'm working on a a stuck stem currently. Makes me feel less defeated seeing how long it took him to do it. Patience and time are good tools to have in the tool box.

  • @vlahead08
    @vlahead08 4 года назад +39

    I watched this whole video in growing horror and then easily unstuck my stem with just the hammer tap. Phew!!

    • @thatrocksong
      @thatrocksong 4 года назад

      I'll try that tomorrow, I'm a bit scared now after watching this, wish me luck!

    • @vlahead08
      @vlahead08 4 года назад +1

      @@thatrocksong good luck!!

    • @vujamtb1533
      @vujamtb1533 3 года назад +2

      This happened to me... Thank god the cranks broke so i had the excuse for a new bike lol

  • @GeezMuzick
    @GeezMuzick 8 лет назад +147

    I wish this guy was my neighbor...

    • @InDaBurbs
      @InDaBurbs 3 года назад +10

      me too. Then I could borrow all his tools.

  • @ricardos.4456
    @ricardos.4456 5 лет назад +10

    You're such a patient and determined human! I just wanted to cheer after you finally removed that frozen stem. I just tried to remove the stem of my Vintage Peugeot race bike and looks like it's frozen. I'll try all that and I hope it is not this "worst case scenario". Thanks for the video, it's such a masterpiece for vintage bike lovers!

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  5 лет назад

      Try something like this: ruclips.net/video/7GvN7w386U0/видео.html

  • @DAquingil
    @DAquingil 8 лет назад +1

    You're the man. That's a very satisfying feeling. It's like when you have a cracked bolt and you need to use and easy-out. Once that sucker finally breaks loose, you want to give out cigars and brag to the whole neighborhood. The old guy who used to fix mowers at the house I now own, saved the broken bolts like trophies in a mason jar.

  • @Aspitulio
    @Aspitulio 4 года назад +14

    Zen and the art of removing stuck handlebar quill stems.

  • @Ob1sdarkside
    @Ob1sdarkside 9 лет назад +21

    Fair play man, that was an epic battle! At least I know what I'm up against.

  • @lickedisplit
    @lickedisplit 6 лет назад +22

    Just a little suggestion: When hammering onto the stem, it's best to support the fork itself (at the bottom of the steerer tube), and not hammer onto the stem with the front wheel still on. The wheel has too much give and will absorb a lot of the force from the hammer blows.

    • @jorelldye4346
      @jorelldye4346 Год назад +3

      He needs to support the steerer tube. If you hammer the stem with the wheel on the floor, you're just hammering the wheel into the floor, and the steerer tube is receiving no force at all to separate from the stem.

    • @nicholasdamren7557
      @nicholasdamren7557 9 месяцев назад +1

      This method absolutely works. I just did it tonight on my bike and it broke free no problem. Super relieved - I was gearing up for a war after watching this video lol

    • @aidanali8151
      @aidanali8151 9 месяцев назад

      😊😅😅😅

  • @Baldwolf63
    @Baldwolf63 5 лет назад +2

    You could not have found a better example of the worst case scenario. After watching this I was a bit nervous about changing out my own stem, but your instructions to loosen the top bolt did the trick! This is an awesome video.

  • @dawnasanderson898
    @dawnasanderson898 10 лет назад +1

    I found your post after spending about 3 hours of trying to loosen the stem on my grand daughters bike. I thought I had forgotten how to adjust it. This was exactly what I needed to see. It is now soaking in oil and I will give it another try later. I just wanted to say thank you.

  • @austinhuhs
    @austinhuhs 9 лет назад +67

    "Just kinda tap down" (WHAM!!)

  • @robertwilliams5945
    @robertwilliams5945 9 лет назад +5

    I had the same problem and tried the same solutions to no avail. Oxalic acid and phosphoric acid (as found in coke) are specific to rust but as you surmise this is an electrolytic problem involving aluminium compounds. I cut the headstem way before you did and removed the remains with sodium hydoxide/lye/draino which dissolves out aluminium but leaves steel intact.
    Thanks for the video. Fascinated to see what others have tried.

  • @ElliotFlowers
    @ElliotFlowers 5 лет назад +1

    So once he started the video, he had no idea how long it would eventually take. But once he had started there was no finishing until the stem was out. I love the way the video cuts and comes back with the stem cut completely off, the viewer gets no warning! Like 'Whoa'...what went down when the camera was off, did he totally lose it!!! Excellent video RJ!.

  • @ztkspace5885
    @ztkspace5885 2 года назад

    you are a very patient man. It took three to four weeks but you did it. By that time, I would have totalled the garage, the house, the pub (several times), the wife would have been had at with fury.................kids scared. Solicitors on standby after the arrest and section, and calming medicines of which were administered for several years. the little green light in my head would still be on to this day, accompanied by that weird but wonderful high pitched whistling. Well done bud. You did it, without the introduction of the imaginary friends that I have had for years.

  • @romualdhryniewicz3249
    @romualdhryniewicz3249 10 лет назад +21

    The best comedy show for ages, haven't laughed so much for a long time. Comedy's all about the timing they say - I hope people have the time to watch this through to final demolition. 2.44 in my first chuckle. 5.04 'didn't think so' comment, put me in stitches once more... from there you can hear just a hint of depression in the voice but you recover quick and battle on. Have to admire the endurance also huh. Wonderful thanks. Now, back to my stuck stem... think I'll cut to the chase, save my liquids and go straight to the hacksaw. :-)

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  10 лет назад +7

      Glad you got a laugh. I do try to get a little humor in my vids. :) I try to start with minimum damage and then work up from there.

    • @jvf6257
      @jvf6257 3 года назад

      Haha 😂 ever laugh so much, don’t expect it either

  • @1dutchmf
    @1dutchmf 4 года назад +4

    Tried your methods today on an old bike and after two hours I got it loose!! The vinegar and some ductape really helped, but mostly perseverance haha. Thanks for the video!!!

  • @michaelrawlinson487
    @michaelrawlinson487 8 месяцев назад

    This is THE best video I've ever seen on RUclips. I get tired of the normal, slick offerings that make everything look so easy. I've had the same problem on my 1986 Cannondale.... and a few years ago after spending hours at home and eventually taking it to a local bike store, just gave up. Now I'm tempted to go try again.

  • @raceface_m2579
    @raceface_m2579 Год назад +1

    RJ, you are a true gem. You have helped me build and restore bikes throughout the years of watching your videos. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge to the world.

  • @SLbushwacker66
    @SLbushwacker66 7 лет назад +4

    this is an older video but just wanted to say I'm rebuilding an old 70's road bike right now and all the problems I encountered (like this one) you have had a video and a solution for. Thank you!

  • @gopalandiappansrinivasan7428
    @gopalandiappansrinivasan7428 Месяц назад

    Wow…just wow….
    Look at the effort…patience and perseverance…it’s like I’m not giving up until my last breath of my life!!
    Kudos to you RJ…
    You are simply awesome!!👏👏👏

  • @timtobin51
    @timtobin51 8 лет назад +1

    Man, I would have been cursing up a storm. If patience is a virtue, you are a very virtuous man. You remind me of a high school teacher I had who always bumbled through things but never gave up and somehow always accomplished his objective. I learned a lot.

  • @wheeleyguy
    @wheeleyguy 9 лет назад +4

    Once Again,a masterful instructional tutorial on removing a seized bicycle component.
    Experimentation,various conventional methods,Patience!, and more patience....
    Excellent!

  • @mettigel5121
    @mettigel5121 4 года назад +9

    Wanted to let you know, I had the same problem, aluminum stem in steel fork... I solved it with something similar to your vinegar method, but I used phosphoric acid instead. Rust remover containing phosphoric acid should have worked too. The stuff can attack aluminum oxide way better than vinegar can.

    • @wahrhaftigkeitbarmherzigke3163
      @wahrhaftigkeitbarmherzigke3163 2 года назад

      Thanks for the sharing. How did you use it? You used a brush to brush the fork tube, or after sealing the top hole, just pour 100 ml into the tube from the bottom hole of the fork, or you soak the whole fork in a barrow?

  • @musamor75
    @musamor75 7 лет назад +1

    You're a very patient and very intelligent bike person. Not once did you loose your calm. This should be inspiration for bike buffs. This was a very tricky scenario indeed. My full respects, and a big hat off to you Sir. Thank you for sharing.

  • @fripster3252
    @fripster3252 4 года назад

    What a wonderful video. "Chapeau" Sir! I found myself here this evening after my daughter presented me with her "new" Peugeot road bike (circa 1973 I think), bought from a 2nd hand shop here in France for €30, and casually asked me to fix it up for her. Whilst all in remarkably good repair I was dreading trying to raise the bars for her, and after watching your efforts i thought I may be in for a long evening. But....exactly the same config as yours....and with a light tap a hammer it all freed up....phew! Clearly the bike has been well maintained during the past 45+ years!

  • @55whiplash
    @55whiplash 9 лет назад +5

    All I can say is you are the man, on persistence alone you get an award. I took a week to free a stem from an old Masi I picked up, thought that was pretty good for my impatient temperament. You do work on some nice specimens.

  • @GBLover-xv4fd
    @GBLover-xv4fd 9 лет назад +29

    Your a beast!!! I would've lit the bike on fire after the vacation and penetrating oil try 😆

  • @KensalRider
    @KensalRider Год назад +1

    Dude, so cool watching someone wrestle old steel bikes...having been there myself. Well done for perseverance.

  • @artwish8075
    @artwish8075 3 года назад +1

    I'm having the same issue, I hope I don't have to go through what this gentleman went through, but it was so funny how he's started his video with so much composure and by the end he totally lost it!!

  • @VyantQuijt
    @VyantQuijt 5 лет назад +3

    I wanna share my slightly different method for cutting out the stems! I've had two seized stems that I ended up using this on. A 70s motobecane, and what I think was a late 90s bike. I tried a bunch of soaks, heat and hammering methods to no avail, and actually broke the handlebar clamp on the older quilstem. So I cut the quill and removed the fork, then took the biggest drill I could find to remove as much material as possible before using first a triangular file, then the hacksaw. I cut two slots roughly 1cm apart, tapped this narrow strip towards the centre, then hammered a flat screwdriver between the aluminium and steel, down to the end of the stem to take it out. Then using pliers I squeezed and turned the stem both directions, working it loose fairly easily. I think it might work better than RJ's four cuts method because it keeps a bigger chunk of the quill intact to apply force on while also forcing the steel and aluminium surfaces to separte as there is spacer for the metal to warp into... Good luck

  • @Homik111
    @Homik111 9 лет назад +19

    I'm smahing that stupid bolt like a crazy, but it just won't budge, I'm starting to be quite furious right now.

  • @Veronica_needssleep
    @Veronica_needssleep 3 года назад

    Great video that almost demotivated me, because I had an 80’s bike with a frozen stem that I really wanted to keep.
    I tried everything you suggest here, but what did it for me was filling the steer tube with ammonia and let that sit for a week. Then I locked the stem in a vise (awkwardly tying the back to a ceiling beam with a rope) and twisting the fork with a long piece of wood. It snapped (thought I broke the fork!) and twisted just a bit. Let it soak in penetrating oil overnight and then did multiple rounds of twisting and hammering the stem down with the fork resting on the jaws of the vise (which are lined with wood blocks). Once I got full revolutions with the twisting (applying PO regularly) I finally got some vertical movement and a bit later the stem slid out. Best moment of the week!
    Thanks RJ for the detailed video’s, they really helped me, and hopefully someone gets some use out of my frozen adventure.

  • @ast-2646
    @ast-2646 10 лет назад +2

    Excellent video on real world problems with stuck bike stuff (seat posts too). Never mind those "I have the perfect solution" cures for these problems (Blaster, vinegar, Coke, etc.). shyflirt went through all of these first tries which work if you're lucky. Too many times we're unlucky. Then, if the "bigger hammer" attempts don't cut it, well, sometimes ya gotta just cut it anyway and hack the thing out and this is the best video that shows a real world attempt - and finally success! Yes, you lost the stem but you saved the fork. You even soaked the thing in Blaster while on vacation and it was still frozen - this is truly the worst case scenario - time to cut, twist, rend, and muscle it, ug!. This vid took time and obvious effort. Real world. Appreciated.

  • @MattTytel
    @MattTytel 10 лет назад +6

    Man. I watched this all the way through, really rooting for you at the end there.

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  10 лет назад +3

      Thanks! That's how it goes. You try the easy stuff first, and keep going further and further trying to get it out causing the least amount of damage. :D

    • @danrichseo
      @danrichseo 10 лет назад

      shyflirt1 you're a wizard! Got major rust on a bike I'm working on, won't move for anything, will buy some more tools tomorrow and follow your tips

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  10 лет назад

      Good luck! I started with the simple stuff, and went from there. This one was about as hard as they get.

    • @danrichseo
      @danrichseo 10 лет назад

      shyflirt1 no success yet :( snapped the stem clasp when trying to twist it with the handlebars, don't want to keep it anyway!

  • @djblower1711
    @djblower1711 7 лет назад +34

    After watching this I threw my bike away!

    • @Afterglow42
      @Afterglow42 5 лет назад +1

      I'm throwing away mine too

    • @fantaztikbeatz
      @fantaztikbeatz 5 лет назад +1

      🙄🤪🤔 I'm hoping I don't have to but it's not looking to good yet

    • @marlontorres7588
      @marlontorres7588 4 года назад +1

      Good thing i dont have bike, i dont know why im here😁

  • @earthtoned
    @earthtoned 6 лет назад

    Holy crap....was in the process of attempting to restore my old 80's steve bauer, which has had a frozen stem for probably 15 years. Saw the title and figured...woo hoo!......I'll be honest, If i have to go through this much work to get the stem out, it's going in the recycling. All i have to do is invest in $200 in tools and lubricants and probably injure myself multiple times? I admire your stamina.

  • @zebedeezimminy
    @zebedeezimminy 4 года назад +1

    This is the best bike video ever for showing how to use patient persistence for solving problems. When the stem is finally freed I experienced a sense of real accomplishment. Thanks for sharing this! I hope the stem on the old Raleigh I'm working on won't be this stubborn but feel mentally prepared;-)

  • @LeahBecerra
    @LeahBecerra 9 лет назад +17

    Well, this is exactly what I needed to see because I've been stumped with this same issue. Now I'm so scared I'll end up having to cut mine too... :( Thank you for sharing this!

    • @k0p7185
      @k0p7185 4 года назад +1

      Let your LBS do it... Lol

  • @007tallguy
    @007tallguy 7 лет назад +3

    you've got a LOT more patience than i have, lol. if i wouldn't have had that out within an hour, 2 at most, it would have been landfill.

    • @jdovak1589
      @jdovak1589 7 лет назад +1

      007tallguy ...Put it out by the road for guys like me😃😃😃

  • @MichaelStAmour-vw1om
    @MichaelStAmour-vw1om 7 лет назад

    you sir have won when many others like myself would have been back on Craigslist looking for more old bikes, well done

  • @milady1733
    @milady1733 3 года назад

    Watching this video inspired me to mess with my old Peugeot to undo the stuck stem and readjust the stem height. Fortunately, all it needed was a good whack with some wood and a hammer. All of these attempts would've had me cussing left and right!
    Good stuff as always, RJ. Every time I have a question on bike maintenance, you had already answered it long ago.

  • @punto755
    @punto755 9 лет назад +5

    You`ve just made my day ! Thank you .

  • @TheMarkanthony5
    @TheMarkanthony5 9 лет назад +21

    jesus you are determined i would get ma and take the hacksaw cut the bike in half and stick it on the trash dump and be driven to a valume going through all that lol.
    But i take my hat off to you

    • @YamiKisara
      @YamiKisara 6 лет назад +1

      If it's a valuable bike you're not gonna want to just turn it into garbage lol.

  • @user-zg7hr3mi3b
    @user-zg7hr3mi3b 5 месяцев назад

    this deserves to go viral, the suffering from trying to turn it o the sudden cut of to a sawn off stem has me cracking up

  • @Vike29
    @Vike29 3 года назад

    I was in this situation yesterday on a '75 Savoy. Rubber hammer swinging upwards on the stem where it meets the bars. It finally worked after it came a flying outta there. (Just don't miss and hit yourself in the face....and no I didn't miss) (Although mine was steel on steel so likely not as bad of an issue) . The 25th bike I have done just this year. (we flip em and with Covid it keeps me sane)
    First one I've ever seen with a reverse pull Suntour Front Derailleur. (And working on em since '78, surprised I never saw one before)
    I watch your videos a lot when I run into something I haven't seen before. Keep up the great work !

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  3 года назад

      Not all frozen stems are equal. Steel in steel is generally easier. It's just rust, not aluminum oxide.

  • @beno.-
    @beno.- 7 лет назад +7

    i´ve been on that moment soo many times. when your own breathing advices you that your about to loose your fucking mind and throw the bike in to the fucking air xdd

  • @Bananenbennie
    @Bananenbennie 9 лет назад +15

    Use caustic soda next time, saves you a lot of work and frustration! Pour it into the fork and let it bite away the aluminium stem. The steel will not be harmed. Takes only a couple of days, and then the stem is almost vanished.

    • @neilfroggycrompton2466
      @neilfroggycrompton2466 9 лет назад +1

      Paul Kreugel poisonous fumes?,caustic soda can burn your internal organs,on the upside it reduces aluminium to black sludge :)

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  9 лет назад

      neil crompton I believe aluminum in sodium hydroxide releases hydrogen gas.

    • @neilfroggycrompton2466
      @neilfroggycrompton2466 9 лет назад

      i've seen videos here on u tube where they were wearing respirators & disposable suits,it gives off a very nasty smell too,do u really want to risk inhaling hydrogen gas plus whatever else that is present,isn't there thermal reaction too? (ie: heat)

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  9 лет назад

      I worked in a plating shop for a while and we would clean parts in a sodium hydroxide bath. We had to separate out aluminum parts because they would be eaten. They snuck in occasionally. No biggie..

    • @neilfroggycrompton2466
      @neilfroggycrompton2466 9 лет назад

      the fumes must be toxic right? as the cs reduces the aluminium to sludge,hats off to you once again rj love your work & looking forward to your next video :)

  • @luisuramos1
    @luisuramos1 7 лет назад

    Shazzam!!! it worked!!! Actually I put penetrating iol in before i even watched video, but still couldn't get it loosed. After watching video, i just hit the bold one time to loosen the bottom "tightener" and it slid off with a little muscle- Thank you- you saved me at least $20 and alot of time!

  • @michaelkirwan177
    @michaelkirwan177 5 лет назад

    RJ -
    On a fine point and not wanting to appear picky I did have one observation that may be valid and helpful. When you're striking the wooden block (early in the film) you retained the wrench in your left hand within close proximity to the hammer's intended target, again the block. If you drew the small wrench back and held it with your ring & little fingers enclosed in your palm you would automatically preclude accidentally striking the wrench with the hammer. In turn it would rule out any potential eye-injury danger by an errant hammer strike and you still have the wrench accessible for easy re-application to the task.
    Have great admiration for your contribution to us.
    Thank You as always,
    Mike Kirwan (Kenmore, WA)

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  5 лет назад

      It was a short stroke because I didn't need to hit it that hard. I wasn't too worried about hitting my hand. If I had to really wail on it, I probably would have gotten a longer piece of wood. I've been to Kenmore. I grew up in Federal Way.

  • @sonomama82
    @sonomama82 8 лет назад +8

    I wish I had half the stuff you have in your garage.

  • @jasonforster9445
    @jasonforster9445 6 лет назад +6

    And now God has granted us the threadless headset

    • @lavielemond
      @lavielemond 5 лет назад +1

      Absolutely, re: their functionality but IMO, at the expense of style...& of my 12 bikes, 2 are contemporary carbon LOOKs & the other 10 consist of 6 carbon LOOKs/TVTs & 4 steel (Columbus EL-OS, SLX & AIR and Reynolds 753R) from '86 - '90 (8 of the 10 are exact replicas of Lemond's TDF-winning bikes), so I'm not massively biased toward one or the other...but of course, from a racing perspective, low weight, strength, durability & quick replacement times are what matters most, not aesthetics - even if you are French or Italian & style is also important - because to finish first, first you must finish!

    • @RogueLegend999
      @RogueLegend999 5 лет назад

      God: You're welcome. See you on Sunday! ✌

    • @shannontrainer5857
      @shannontrainer5857 4 года назад

      And yet old people love old archaic stuff.

  • @adamjordan5312
    @adamjordan5312 4 года назад

    I would have broken down crying about 3 mins into the video. Excruciating to watch but so satisfying at the end. Well done that man.
    Needless to say my restoration project has gone to the tip.

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  4 года назад

      I came really close to putting the bike to the curb at one point. LOL!

  • @hulqen
    @hulqen 10 лет назад +1

    Most dramatic and intense bike how-to video I've ever seen! Very inspirational! Thanks!

  • @rebelghini1173
    @rebelghini1173 9 лет назад +3

    hahaha i feel this guy

  • @jbanner29
    @jbanner29 8 лет назад +1

    Wow to say this was persistence is an understatement. I love your videos. Thank you so much for the great inventive thinking. I have used your bolt and lock washer tool to stuck bottom bracket cup, on an old Raleigh and used your head set tool to rebuild a Norco Mountain bike. You are really do a great job and I love how your video keep focus on the actual bike and the process you use.Thank you so much.

  • @zantimisfitz
    @zantimisfitz 4 года назад

    if nothing else this video shows the value of perseverance, managed to get my stem free at the heat gun stage, couldn't quite believe it! Thanks RJ.

  • @jonasmeier417
    @jonasmeier417 3 года назад +1

    Great video, RJ The Bike Guy!
    Once the stem is cut, one could take off the whole fork to have better access.

  • @fanmanabc
    @fanmanabc Год назад +2

    I’m in the middle of a restoration and also had some troubles with the headset removal. Watching your video I was able to solve it after your second proposed solution…. Thankful I didn’t have to go the full nine yard line yours 😅 but you have my upmost respect!

  • @classicc90
    @classicc90 5 лет назад

    I know this is an old video, but it will always be a testament to the value of perseverance. Well done.

  • @TheKastania
    @TheKastania 7 лет назад

    I love how for every problem that occurs while working on old Bikes, all I have to do is google it and a Video of you solving it pops up :D tapping the nut with a hammer worked like a charm on the old german Kalkhoff i'm working on right now, thanks a lot!

  • @young072
    @young072 3 года назад

    I thought I tried until watching you. What a patience and persistence. I am going to buy that penetrating oil and really try it again.

  • @stephentroake7155
    @stephentroake7155 Год назад

    I actually punched the air when you got that thing out! Kudos for the persistence. A lesson for us all. :)

  • @hawaiiantimes7702
    @hawaiiantimes7702 Год назад

    Late to the party but sir, I salute you and your perseverance! Also commend you for absolutely no “F” bombs at all. 6 minutes in and I already decided to throw the bike in the trash but you sir, are a hero.

  • @johnroberts5562
    @johnroberts5562 5 лет назад

    I'm here because I picked up a FREE old Schwinn Surbann that sat in a shed for years. Looks great and not abused but as this video shows, WHEN AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, BEAT THE HELL OUT OF IT! :) Hope i have better luck!

    • @johnroberts5562
      @johnroberts5562 5 лет назад

      Just lining things up to tackle it... VA Doc said I should get out and walk more but with COPD I wanna go faster than SNAILS so a fellow vet gave me this bike... Now all I need are some nice RIM SPINNERS and CURB FINDERS! :)

  • @startup_dream
    @startup_dream 2 года назад

    This video is fantastic. I'm no longer wallowing in sorrow and am more determined than ever to get this god damn stem out. Thank you!

  • @kevinlindroth4111
    @kevinlindroth4111 3 года назад

    Tough job! With creativity, persistance and patience it finally came off. Hats off to you RJ!

  • @inaxs4u
    @inaxs4u 9 лет назад

    Hi, I faced the same challenge on my Peugeot Carbolite 103. Stuck Stem Bolt ,to start with and then the stem itself was stuck. Bolt, i extracted by Bolt Extractor. The stem was a PITA. I turned bike upside down and sandwiched it between 2 2x4 in a table vise.Then rotated the fork (at the base) and with a bit a struggle and few breaks to catch some breath, bit by bit the forked rotated over the stem and finally ... stem got separated. Thanks to RJ, i got some courage to this endeavor.

  • @tonyparrish5566
    @tonyparrish5566 4 года назад

    Yikes! Once I had the wedge bolt strip out and stay in place. Meanwhile, I thought it had been tapped down like normal, it didn't put up a fight. That was a pain, but nothing like this. I'm glad you're here to help people with these things. Your local bike shop won't do all this, it's not worth it for them.

  • @4321ramones
    @4321ramones Год назад

    To anyone that is experiencing this same problem I got mine out but taking off the front tire and spring red penetrating grease in the fork stem then heating it with a handheld propane torch just a little bit as to not harm the pain on the bike (a little heat goes a long way) then I took a big pair of channel locks and grab the forks right at the base under the bearing and twisting the forks while holding the bars in place by standing on one side of them came out very easy with this method I had fought it for quite a while I managed to find this video but did not want to ruin my gooseneck so I came up with this idea and worked excellent

  • @robt6695
    @robt6695 9 лет назад

    Wow, what an absolute Bastard. I'm still trying to get those drive side cranks off a hybrid bottom bracket after I stripped the threads. I thought this bike was a gonner. You saved it man. Great job RJ!!

  • @johngaston2814
    @johngaston2814 2 года назад

    Thanks for the video this was unbelievable most mortals would have thrown in the towel after round 3 this guy is a legend and now i know what it takes i am going to persevere with my own stuck stem 10/10 truly.

  • @tartanhandbag
    @tartanhandbag 2 года назад +1

    Fantastic video. Most videos start with an easy set up on a brand new bike like "look I easy" whereas mostly I'm working on fixing up old crappy bikes with tons of problems. This is a propper breakdown of the reality of the situation like ok, let's try this, ok well that tells me this so lets try that, ok now we can give this a go etc etc how it actually happens. Great info and tips!!!

  • @ser7ser7i
    @ser7ser7i 4 года назад

    Thank you for your patience, you restored the faith in humanity, thanks.

  • @JumpydeerbobHD
    @JumpydeerbobHD 2 года назад

    You’re a savior! I found your video and every step along the way i was praying I wouldn’t have to end up cutting, but I ended up having to go all the way as well. Thanks for making this!

  • @ilovesmybike
    @ilovesmybike 3 года назад

    Really admire your persistence on this RJ. One thing I dread is ceased components!

  • @danieltaylor7944
    @danieltaylor7944 3 года назад

    WOW! I was on the edge of my seat until the last frame.... More, please!

  • @LG-xs7ud
    @LG-xs7ud 3 года назад

    I watched this during a repair on a stem but luckily the mountain bike was never messed with before and I got the stem loose. I definitely was like there is no way I'm going to do all that to this bike I bought for $20 off Facebook market place. However I got the handle bars to raise oiled the neck and my 14 yr old man is super happy, thankful for the video it definitely helped me get the bottom of the stem out.

    • @RJTheBikeGuy
      @RJTheBikeGuy  3 года назад +1

      I came close to chucking the bike in the video.

    • @LG-xs7ud
      @LG-xs7ud 3 года назад

      @@RJTheBikeGuy everytime you went back I thought forsure it would come loose then it didnt so was like what in the world ....you pulled the sword out if the stone 😆😆 should have raised the bike in the air with one hand for effects 😆😆

  • @steveheck7754
    @steveheck7754 5 лет назад +1

    Fabulous ! This is a great sequel to seat post removal. Great lesson in determination .

  • @jaripeltola
    @jaripeltola 5 лет назад +2

    That was some persistence. I had it much easier with an old Crescent yesterday. The stem was stuck but, thanks to tip, grease loosened it overnight and it popped out easily. Next I will get myself one of those threadless adapters presented in another video.

  • @RyansuBike
    @RyansuBike 7 лет назад

    You are far more persistent than I am! I got to the sacrificing the stem and cutting into the sides of the stem stub and decided to remove the fork with stuck stem still in place and order a chromed 27 inch replacement fork off amazon and starting over lol

  • @donaldixon4036
    @donaldixon4036 2 года назад

    Glad I'm not the only one having fun with old rusty bikes

  • @luckyram3461
    @luckyram3461 4 года назад +1

    Wow RJ, never seen such perseverance . Hats off to you & thanks for so many tricks & tips . I will never-be able to go to that extent & I hope I don't find myself in that situation. Cheers

  • @ting280
    @ting280 4 года назад

    you're a lifesaver and a timesaver, I'm converting an old mtb into an ebike and every issue I've run into you've already seen and addressed.

  • @gregordonnach7970
    @gregordonnach7970 3 года назад +2

    RE: dissimilar metals. Those who think it's all about that should know that the "little wedge" is cast iron or steel as is the head steerer tube unless it too is aluminum. Steel components can actually weld together via rusting. Try separating that! N/G most likely.

  • @scottadams4043
    @scottadams4043 3 года назад

    RJ I did penetrant, block and hammer, heat and it wouldn't move, so I said "what would RJ do?" and I see I was on the right path, I went after it again and she's out. Love your vids!!

  • @playerraxis
    @playerraxis Год назад

    Hey bike guy your video may be 8 years old but it has helped me tremendously I had to exact problem with my bike and I follow your video to the letter and I have successfully remove the stem thank you very much 🖒

  • @povlfalk-jensen4499
    @povlfalk-jensen4499 3 года назад

    Man, you don't give up easily. A quality I admire. Going to continue my own battle here. It's my wife's bike so there will be hell to pay if I mess it up 🤕Thanks for sharing this and for the tips.

  • @hubmac3139
    @hubmac3139 4 года назад

    You're a guy I wouldn't want to mess with, because yours determination is admirable, great work

  • @marconeill2229
    @marconeill2229 4 года назад

    You demonstrated great tenacity, sir!
    The 'hacksaw-work' alone must have been prodigious!