Author Topic: Cutting metal bike fender stays?  (Read 840 times)

The 585

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Cutting metal bike fender stays?
« on: April 24, 2019, 08:05:04 PM »
I just installed fenders on my bicycle, and the metal stay rods are too long and need to each be cut by about an inch or so. Since I have only basic tools at my house, is there any place I could go to use a "loaner" set of bolt cutters? I've never had a need to own a pair, and just need to use them for a few quick snips. Advice appreciated!

HipGnosis

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Re: Cutting metal bike fender stays?
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2019, 07:37:32 AM »
Some libraries have small tools.
ViceGrip pliers have a cutter right by the pivot.
Depending how thick the stay rods are, you might need a 8-10".
Don't expect to cut thru in one squeeze. 

GuitarStv

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Re: Cutting metal bike fender stays?
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2019, 08:01:43 AM »
Why do the rods need to be cut?  Are they poking out the top too much?  If so I'd rather just bend them so they're not likely to snag any clothing or body parts this way in the future you could bend them back in case it's necessary while mounting to another bike).

Askel

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Re: Cutting metal bike fender stays?
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2019, 08:11:00 AM »
I would advise against bending them- Allowing the fender to slip off the stay with sufficient force allows for some degree of breakaway when things go bad.  I've seen some pretty bad wrecks from fenders getting sucked in by the wheel followed by a sudden stop when all the stay is used up.

My preferred method is hacksaw. Don't even need a full hacksaw- just get a blade and wrap one end in tape for a handle. 

 

The 585

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Re: Cutting metal bike fender stays?
« Reply #4 on: April 29, 2019, 03:50:28 PM »
Success! I have a local bike coop nearby which had a pair of bolt cutters I was able to borrow and use for free. They were small handheld ones though... so it took a lot of work but I got all those suckers snipped off.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!