Adjusting bolt on threadless headset

Quoted message said:

I picked up a new fork today at my LBS. I had them cut it and install
the star nut. When I got home to install the fork, I noticed that
they had installed the star nut lower than the previous fork. So, my
adjusting bolt doesn't reach the star nut. Do I have to haul the
thing back to my LBS and have them reinstall the star nut (can you re-
use them?) or can I just put a longer bolt in? The length of the
current nut is about 35 mm - is there a maximum suggested length? It
just seems easier to put a new (+ 10 mm, or so) bolt in than screw
with the star nut....

I'm very interested in the response to this question too.
--
JT
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Quoted message said:

I picked up a new fork today at my LBS. I had them cut it and install
the star nut. When I got home to install the fork, I noticed that
they had installed the star nut lower than the previous fork. So, my
adjusting bolt doesn't reach the star nut. Do I have to haul the
thing back to my LBS and have them reinstall the star nut (can you re-
use them?) or can I just put a longer bolt in? The length of the
current nut is about 35 mm - is there a maximum suggested length? It
just seems easier to put a new (+ 10 mm, or so) bolt in than screw
with the star nut....

Don't think there's any good way to re-use the star nut. You, or the shop,
could put in another star nut at the right depth for your existing bolt. Or
use a longer bolt, but don't know if there's any problem with longer bolts.
Kerry

Quoted message said:

I picked up a new fork today at my LBS. I had them cut it and install
the star nut. When I got home to install the fork, I noticed that
they had installed the star nut lower than the previous fork. So, my
adjusting bolt doesn't reach the star nut. Do I have to haul the
thing back to my LBS and have them reinstall the star nut (can you re-
use them?) or can I just put a longer bolt in? The length of the
current nut is about 35 mm - is there a maximum suggested length? It
just seems easier to put a new (+ 10 mm, or so) bolt in than screw
with the star nut....

go to the hardware store and buy a longer bolt. no worries about length
since load, once the stem is clamped, is non-existent.

jim beam said:

Quoted message said:

I picked up a new fork today at my LBS. I had them cut it and install
the star nut. When I got home to install the fork, I noticed that
they had installed the star nut lower than the previous fork. So, my
adjusting bolt doesn't reach the star nut. Do I have to haul the
thing back to my LBS and have them reinstall the star nut (can you re-
use them?) or can I just put a longer bolt in? The length of the
current nut is about 35 mm - is there a maximum suggested length? It
just seems easier to put a new (+ 10 mm, or so) bolt in than screw
with the star nut....

go to the hardware store and buy a longer bolt. no worries about length
since load, once the stem is clamped, is non-existent.

What he said..too bad the LBS didn't have a proper tool, that installs
the thing to the proper depth..but LBS shinnanigans(sp?) is all too
common.

Quoted message said:

I picked up a new fork today at my LBS. I had them cut it and install
the star nut. When I got home to install the fork, I noticed that
they had installed the star nut lower than the previous fork. So, my
adjusting bolt doesn't reach the star nut. Do I have to haul the
thing back to my LBS and have them reinstall the star nut (can you re-
use them?) or can I just put a longer bolt in? The length of the
current nut is about 35 mm - is there a maximum suggested length? It
just seems easier to put a new (+ 10 mm, or so) bolt in than screw
with the star nut....

The bolt (& cap) are only used to set the pre-load on the headset
bearing. You don't even really need them at all. Once the pre-load is
set (by whatever method) the stem locks it in.

Do whatever is easier -- drive the old star nut out & reuse (no
problem), add a new one above, buy a longer bolt, or just press down on
the stem & tighten. Doesn't really matter.

Peter Cole said:

Quoted message said:

I picked up a new fork today at my LBS. I had them cut it and install
the star nut. When I got home to install the fork, I noticed that
they had installed the star nut lower than the previous fork. So, my
adjusting bolt doesn't reach the star nut. Do I have to haul the
thing back to my LBS and have them reinstall the star nut (can you re-
use them?) or can I just put a longer bolt in? The length of the
current nut is about 35 mm - is there a maximum suggested length? It
just seems easier to put a new (+ 10 mm, or so) bolt in than screw
with the star nut....

The bolt (& cap) are only used to set the pre-load on the headset
bearing. You don't even really need them at all. Once the pre-load is
set (by whatever method) the stem locks it in.

Do whatever is easier -- drive the old star nut out & reuse (no
problem)

Agree with all you said but driving it out and reusing it. Driving it
out, unless it's thru the bottom of the fork, leaves the SFN all
gooned up..just get a new one, cheap, with all the forks being carbon
steerers, most bike shops have freebies laying around, I know we do.

, add a new one above, buy a longer bolt, or just press down on

Quoted message said:

the stem & tighten. Doesn't really matter.