Headset Press (Heavy Duty M12 Version)

***  Buy one, get one 30% off any mix of pullers and presses (applies to individual tools only, not kits) ***

This tool is designed to install the cups that hold the headset bearings on many brands of bicycle.  The M12 version uses a heavy weight 12mm threaded rod for extra stiffness and durability, intended for professional workshop environments. 

[Note that the M12 rod and T-bars are not compatible with our other press as our other press use an smaller 8mm thread.  We have an M8 headset press here]

Our M12 Headset Press is sold as a complete set, comprising a pair of T-bar handles, a 12mm threaded rod, a pair of thrust bearing supported by heavy duty brass washers, one larger and one smaller stepped headset drift, and a large centring cone.

The threaded portion of the rod supplied with this press is around 305mm long, with additional 10mm of non-threaded length at each end to lead the handles/nuts smoothly on and off the thread.

Our drifts feature a number of stepped diameters: one drift has steps at 25.7mm, 29.6mm, 36.5mm and 47.5mm, while the other drift has steps at 29.6mm, 36.5mm, 47.5mm and 60mm.  These steps allow the press to suit 1", 1 1/8" and 1.5" headset cups from most manufacturers.

• Heavy duty 12mm precision-engineered stainless steel threaded rod
• Two stepped headset drifts and one large centring cone included
• Shipping is fast and free in the UK
• Combined shipping for international customers buying more than of our extractors or presses

How To Use

Two drifts are supplied. The stepped shape of the drift ensures that the press remains centred on the cup.

1. Grease headset cups lightly before installing. 
2. Select the drift that fits the cup best.
3. For best results press one cup at a time.  Use the centring cone against the other end fo the headtube when pressing in the first cup.
4. Tightening the nuts or handles draws the drifts together, pressing the bearing into place.
5. Repeat the process using two stepped drifts to install the second cup.

Compatibility

While it appears that the industry has standardised headtubes to 1", 1 1/8" and 1.5", the reality is a bit more complicated! 

Each of these three 'standard' sizes exists as Traditional (external), Integral and Internal formats, resulting in some 7 or more actual headtube diameters in use. 

To add to the complication, this tool must interface with the inside of the cup (not the headtube).  The cup shape and diameter varies according to each manufacturer's specific design, resulting in hundreds of possible permutations.  

It is therefore impossible for any headset cup press to closely fit in the same way that our regular bearing presses do...  The stepped diameters have been chosen to fit the widest variety of headset cups, but some space should be expected and is acceptable. 

If you are unsure about compatibility with your own headset please compare the dimensions given for our press drifts above with your headset.  

Our tools can be selected either by the bearing's dimensions or by the bearing's standard reference code.

Standard references take the form of a three to five digit number, such as 688, or 6902 for example.  These codes are often provided in the bike's user manuals, or moulded onto the bearing's seal. You might see something like 6902-2RS on the seal. The first digits are the standard reference.  The second part (2RS in this case) refers to the seal type and doesn't matter for tool selection.

While the letter & numbers after the baring ref usually refer to the type of seal, you should keep an eye out for the suffix 'E', for example 698-E.  This denotes that the inner race of the bearing is extended, which will affect puller and press selection. 

Alternatively, tools can be selected by their inside (ID) and outside (OD) diameters and width (W). 

Note that each tool is specific to one bearing size and can’t be used on bearings with different dimensions.

If you need any help then please feel free to email us!  We usually reply within 1 working day.