Author Topic: Brompton frame hinge pins  (Read 4139 times)

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Brompton frame hinge pins
« on: 26 May, 2020, 10:35:20 pm »
As part of repainting my Brompton, it looks like I need to drill out and fit new hinge pins in the frame and handlebar stem.

Given that the hinges are well worn and have a lot of play already, I will probably need to fit oversized pins after reaming them out to suit. Getting Brompton hinge pins is not overly difficult but the question is:
Do I spend a silly amount on a Brompton hinge pin tool that looks like an overgrown chaintool and all three associated reamers?

I am thinking yes.
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #1 on: 28 May, 2020, 09:04:18 am »
We'll want photos. You've already led me astray on main pivot tools.

rogerzilla

  • When n+1 gets out of hand
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #2 on: 28 May, 2020, 03:44:54 pm »
As you're in Lahndon, wouldn't it be cheaper to get the Brompton factory to do it?
Hard work sometimes pays off in the end, but laziness ALWAYS pays off NOW.

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #3 on: 28 May, 2020, 03:51:25 pm »
I do not like Brompton’s approach of stopping owners from doing maintenance. I am prepared to spend money to get around that limitation. I have multiple hinge pins now and only need to get the necessary tools and actually do the work.

In any case, getting any bike maintenance done currently takes weeks. I would like to ride my repainted Brompton sometime this year.
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #4 on: 28 May, 2020, 05:48:07 pm »
+1

rogerzilla

  • When n+1 gets out of hand
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #5 on: 28 May, 2020, 09:04:10 pm »
Fair enough.  They are utter bastards when it comes to end user parts supply too; parts availability used to be the best reason to buy one, along with the fold.
Hard work sometimes pays off in the end, but laziness ALWAYS pays off NOW.

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #6 on: 30 May, 2020, 02:12:59 pm »
Yes, you used to be able to individually replace pretty much every single thing that went together to make a Brompton and fit them yourself but not now. I understand that Brompton are supporting a small number of approved dealers by doing this but still dislike it.

After mulling over things for too long, Thunderbirds are go. Hopefully the tools will arrive in the not-too-distant future and I’ll be able to get my Brompton painted at the same time as my newly-repaired trike frame.
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #7 on: 05 June, 2020, 02:48:34 pm »
The Brompton hinge tool has arrived and it is a bit bigger than I expected.



The various reamers and replacement hinge pins look tiny next to it.
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

rogerzilla

  • When n+1 gets out of hand
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #8 on: 05 June, 2020, 02:51:26 pm »
Was it delivered on a low-loader?  :o
Hard work sometimes pays off in the end, but laziness ALWAYS pays off NOW.

Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #9 on: 05 June, 2020, 02:56:26 pm »
That looks very spendy.
ETA - I'm assuming that other than your ruler, nothing in that picture is made of plastic.

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #10 on: 05 June, 2020, 03:00:58 pm »
All the black stuff is cold, hard steel.

The cost of tools and spares breaks even with Brompton’s service charges after doing three or four hinges. We have two Bromptons in the house, so eventually I may save money (assuming I do things properly).
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #11 on: 05 June, 2020, 03:42:27 pm »
Do Brompton sell the tools to non-dealers, or do you have a contact?

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #12 on: 05 June, 2020, 05:05:31 pm »
No and yes. Some international retailers are more relaxed about these things.
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

Aunt Maud

  • Le Flâneur.
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #13 on: 16 June, 2020, 03:31:58 pm »
That looks like an interesting thing to use. I think we need a how to with pictures and expletives.

I see you've got a left handed ruler too.

Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #14 on: 16 June, 2020, 03:47:36 pm »
That looks like an interesting thing to use. I think we need a how to with pictures and expletives.

I see you've got a left handed ruler too.
I clocked the left handed ruler, as well.

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #15 on: 16 June, 2020, 04:05:59 pm »
I made sure the ruler was on the correct side for the picture.

I am just stripping off the bolt-on components now. Some swearing may be necessary shortly. Removing the swingarm and hinge pins follows that.
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #16 on: 17 June, 2020, 06:55:07 pm »
Removing the hinge pins was pretty easy and the tool worked as advertised.

Instructions are from elsewhere on the internet.
https://flic.kr/p/2jcvaT8
https://flic.kr/p/2jcvaTi
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: Brompton frame hinge pins
« Reply #17 on: 29 June, 2020, 03:22:05 pm »
For future reference, it turns out that (at least some) powder coaters do not separate Brompton hinges prior to recoating, just stripping off the components and existing powder coat.

I needed to replace the worn hinge pins anyway, so no loss in this case.

Hopefully I will start rebuilding my Brompton and my trike next week. Re-enamelling her Roberts will be twice as expensive and take four times as long.
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...