I've been routinely hand-tightening the Shimano 600EX headset on my '84 Ritchey, mostly because I didn't want to use a general spanner and gouge the soft metal on those fancy knurled nuts. (Yes, I have used a cloth and did succeed a bit.)
So, I've been hunting the proper wrenches. There are two sets up on the auction site that can fit the bill. One is much nicer looking, but has an $80 asking price. They are steel, and have another $11 shipping costs from Germany. The other is a home-made pair, CNC-cut aluminum, which aren't as fancy looking, but have a much more reasonable price. They come from Ohio.
Option A: NEW HEADSET removal Tool Shimano Dura Ace 600 EX Campagnolo Super Record | eBay
Option B: Wrenches for Shimano DA , 600 AX / EX Headset. | eBay
Not really seeing the need for a $100 set of wrenches for one headset (although I own two backup sets), I went with Ohio.
I had also noticed that the steel set were clear that you'd need to remove the stem to use the closed head wrench. That was also a factor.
What I hadn't given thought to was the fat stem of the bull moose Ritchey bars.
![Image]()
Oh, well.
That said, the cheap set of wrench are nicely cut, and fit the nut perfectly. They are incredibly light, but have the strength required. I'll note that the edges from the CNC cutting are somewhat sharp. Still, if you need a wrench set for this 600EX/AX or DA headset, I recommend these.
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The seller's name is Don. I have no connection beyond having just bought a set.
Cheers!
:thumbsup:
So, I've been hunting the proper wrenches. There are two sets up on the auction site that can fit the bill. One is much nicer looking, but has an $80 asking price. They are steel, and have another $11 shipping costs from Germany. The other is a home-made pair, CNC-cut aluminum, which aren't as fancy looking, but have a much more reasonable price. They come from Ohio.
Option A: NEW HEADSET removal Tool Shimano Dura Ace 600 EX Campagnolo Super Record | eBay
Option B: Wrenches for Shimano DA , 600 AX / EX Headset. | eBay
Not really seeing the need for a $100 set of wrenches for one headset (although I own two backup sets), I went with Ohio.
I had also noticed that the steel set were clear that you'd need to remove the stem to use the closed head wrench. That was also a factor.
What I hadn't given thought to was the fat stem of the bull moose Ritchey bars.
Oh, well.
That said, the cheap set of wrench are nicely cut, and fit the nut perfectly. They are incredibly light, but have the strength required. I'll note that the edges from the CNC cutting are somewhat sharp. Still, if you need a wrench set for this 600EX/AX or DA headset, I recommend these.
The seller's name is Don. I have no connection beyond having just bought a set.
Cheers!
:thumbsup:
