Dodgy dropout!?!?

[Mikku]

Have spent the weekend going over the Laserlite I've just picked up and have noticed that the right dropout is bent.    My question is how bad do you think it is? This is going to be a weekend rider so it'll need to stand up to a bit (though not alot) of abuse. Here are some pics...









PS If it's bad news please break it to me gently! 

[oldschoolace]

Fine that mate 

Get it ridden 

[stidds]

Nothing wrong with that Mikku, whack a wheel in it and it will be fine, or bend it out a bit (don't be too rough with it) either way is good.

[Gashead]

Be fine once the wheel is in.


To be honest these frames are almost 30 years old now, so gunna be out a bit, bit like the day they were made 

[griff]

Just leave it between some books and put a bit of weight on it, that'll sort it right out 

[QUADROPHENIA]

Griff are you really trev ?

[Munnyella]

I love Griff!!

[griff]

Just leave it between some books and put a bit of weight on it, that'll sort it right out 

NB: this doesn't work on looptails

[griff]

You have to put those in the freezer 

[Mikku]

Thanks for the replies (and reassurance) - much appreciated! 

[steve69]

This is a very easy and effective solution to your problem...


1. One bent drop out (smashed on the floor for demonstration sake)
2. Take a large adjustable spanner (bigger the better for this job) NOTE:- Don't use any spanner or grips that have teeth as it will mark the dropout.



3. Place the spanner on the dropout and adjust it up to a nice tight fit, also make sure you are positioned at the point of the bend.
4. Gently pull the spanner round until straight.
5. Remove spanner and check straightness, refit and tweek if ness.



Hope this helps 

[Retrodan72]

Just leave it between some books and put a bit of weight on it, that'll sort it right out 

NB: this doesn't work on looptails

What's a looptail? 


 

[Glynnyboy]

Putting a soft cloth over the drop whilst using the spanner will help too but the pics of the job wouldn't look as good as Steve's . 

[That Swan Guy]

Just leave it between some books and put a bit of weight on it, that'll sort it right out 

NB: this doesn't work on looptails

What's a looptail? 


 

 

[Mikku]

This is a very easy and effective solution to your problem...

Thanks for that Steve! My only concern about bending it back is whether it will weaken the metal - I'd prefer to have a bent dropout than a broken one!

[Glynnyboy]

This is a very easy and effective solution to your problem...

Thanks for that Steve! My only concern about bending it back is whether it will weaken the metal - I'd prefer to have a bent dropout than a broken one!

Looking at your drop mate I wouldn't have any concerns at all.
Steve's drop in the how to might have made me sweat a bit but yours no.
I do find a vice does a great job too and probably lessens any risk factor you may be worried about.

[steve69]

This is a very easy and effective solution to your problem...

Thanks for that Steve! My only concern about bending it back is whether it will weaken the metal - I'd prefer to have a bent dropout than a broken one!

bending it once or twice is no where near enough to cause fatigue, it certainly won't break.