How to install crown race?

[setspeed]

I'm having trouble installing a crown race for the first time. Any tips?

 

[Once A Hero]

Park Tool CRS-1 Crown Race Setting System

The CRS-1 offers a six inserts with to install the fork crown race. The bearing surface is spared a direct hit by using different inserts to ensure proper fit on the race. Choose the correct insert then slide the tube over the fork tube and into the top end of the insert. Using a hammer, tap...

www.sjscycles.co.uk

 

[setspeed]

Park Tool CRS-1 Crown Race Setting System

The CRS-1 offers a six inserts with to install the fork crown race. The bearing surface is spared a direct hit by using different inserts to ensure proper fit on the race. Choose the correct insert then slide the tube over the fork tube and into the top end of the insert. Using a hammer, tap...

www.sjscycles.co.uk

Thanks, but I can't spend £90. Plus I want to do it now

 

[Fourbikes]

I've done it with a piece of wood and a hammer.

 

[Once A Hero]

Got a tube that will fit over the steerer and seat itself nicely on the flat lip of the crown race?

Failing that a headset spanner that you can sit on the same flat surface and tap your way around.

 

[eric_james]

In the past I've filed a very small amount evenly on the fork steerer so the crown race fits

 

[kingoffootball]

If you haven't tried heating he crown race, putting it in boiling water before (carefully) installing often helps.

 

[squirrelchaser]

Also wire wooling the fork steerer cleeeeeeean .

 

[ishaw]

If you have a large enough ring spanner, you can align that on the flat face of the race and tap the spanner arm. Another option is plastic tubing over the steerer and on to the race, hit that with rubber mallet to seat race.

Then there's the lump of wood approach too.

Cheaper tools than park available, no substitute for a proper tool or home brew equivalent.

 

[Lhatch4]

I have a plastic/PVC tube that slides over the steerer tube and is the right diameter to contact the race all the way around. I just slide the tube over the steerer and tap the race into place by hitting the other end with a hammer.