Impossible to get headset out

Hi,

I have a nice 853 frame and I am trying to get a campagnolo veloce headset out. Used the right tool to try to hammer it out with a mallet and I am giving it massive whacks to the point I fear I am going to dent or bend the frame and it just isn't moving.

Any advice?

Thanks

Just checking, using a metal hammer on the tool?

Yes you definitely want to use a metal hammer on a headset tool. Just hit it harder, as long as the tines (can you call them that?) are secure on the cups you should be good. You could give it a good soak in some wd40 or specific release penetrant overnight and then try again the next day.

Try and secure the frame and the area around the head tube as best you can so that as much force from the hammer is going into forcing the headset out and not just bouncing the frame around.

Boiling water and a rag wrapped around the headtube . Plus patience

Just make sure that the removal tool is definitely sitting on the headset cup and not on some lip inside the headtube.

Definitley not as likely on a steel frame I don't think but worth checking.

Try and secure the frame

You need to be very careful if you do this.

I'd actually advise against that and hold the frame in my hand, with a rear wheel in it to rest on the ground.

If the headset isn't going to be reused you could probably cut a vertical slot in it with a hacksaw blade or file (very carefully) and then try it again. If it still doesn't come out you could then use a vice or grips to fold it just enough to break it away from walls of the head tube.

I often found to tap alternative sides of the cup seems to work, rather than one big smash one one side if that makes sense. It wiggles it's way out.

This did the trick. Thanks! I was being very gentle because I thought I'd damage the head tube

Niccce, well done! Metal on metal for maximum power transfer, you’ll know if it’s not going to budge as it’d make more of a dull noise than a nice ‘ting’ noise.