Installation of the "Star Fangled Nut"

Typical Tools and Supplies Needed

• Threadless Nut Setters TNS-1 or TNS-4
• Hammer such as the HMR-1

This article will discuss installing and removing the "star fangled nut" into threadless fork steering columns. For related information see

• Threadless-type headset installation and adjustments- Threadless Headsets.
• Cutting a fork to size- Fork Sizing.

Threadless headsets are adjusted by pressure on the top bearing race. Pressure is applied when the bolt in the top cap is tightened. The stem bolt(s) must be loosened, which makes the stem effectively a spacer during the adjustment. The bolt is threaded into the star fangled nut which be fitted into the inside of the fork column. The star nut is designed not to pull upward. In otherwords, it is designed not to be removeable.

The star fangled nut outer diameter is slightly bigger than the inside diameter of the fork column. This allows the flanges to bite into the fork walls and hold it tight.

Star Fangle Nut Installation with TNS-4

The TNS-4 is designed to help guide the star-fangled nut straight as it is pressed into the inside of the steering column.

Thread the star-nut onto the threaded stud inside the TNS-4.

The convex surface will face outward of the tool, and face the steering column.

Place the TNS-4 over the top of the steering column. The inner mandrel will rise upward and the outer housing is slid over the column.

Hold the TNS-4 straight and in line with the steering column.

Strike the top of the TNS-4 with a hammer to drive in the star fangled nut.

Continue driving the nut util the drivr meets the outer portion of the tool. Unthread the hanlde from the fork. Nut is installed.

Star Fangle Nut Installation with TNS-1

Mount the nut with concave side toward tool thread. Hold TNS over steering column and tap on top on TNS with ball peen hammer. Hold tool aligned while striking TNS.

The TNS places the nut about 15mm (9/16") below the top of the steering column. This allows the adjusting bolt to thread fully into the nut for adjustment pre-load.

It can also help maintain alignment to use the stem as an alignment guide. This technique works ONLY if you use the newer longer TNS models. Install stem onto column. Engage so most of the stem sticks up above the column. Do not tighten any upper pinch bolt. Place TNS with nut inside stem and column and tap downward.

Removing the nut

The star fangled nut is basically designed not to be removeable. If it is necessary to install another nut, simply use a punch and drive the first nut down until deeper than the new nut will sit. It is not necessary to completely remove the old nut. It is also possible to drive the old nut completely through the column and out the bottom. This will make the nut unuseable. It can also work to drill out the center of the nut, and then tap out the remaining pieces.

Screw Replacement in TNS

The TNS-1 and TNS-4 use a replaceable (6mm x 1mm) setscrew, part #822. Use a small amount of removeable thread locking compound on the threads of the new screw. Use 3mm hex wrench in end of screw, and thread into body, leaving about 10 threads exposed.

Expansion Plug Installation

Another option for threadless headsets is the "expansion plug" systems. These insert inside the steering column and then expand and jam against the inside walls. This system is especially popular with the carbon steering columns.

A typical expansion plug system consist of an expandable sleeve. There is a cone at the top and bottom, and a hollow bolt passes through the sleeve. As this expansion bolt is tightened, it draws together the two cones and this expands the sleeve. As with most all threaded fasteners, grease or oil the threads. The headset adjusting cap and bolt then fit into the top of the expansion plug.

Install the assembled expansion plug into the steering column.

Secure the expansion plug

Install top cap and headset adjusting bolt into expansion plug hollow bolt.

Finished headset top cap.