hammering an axle straight while it's still in the hub? not trying to stir up an argument, but i think you're just as likely to damage the cones as you are to straighten the axle this way. to say nothing of making the bearings out of round in a quick manner. if the axle is bent enough to matter, chances are the inside guts, bearings, cones, cups are going to need inspection anyway. 



On Tue, Oct 23, 2012 at 2:12 PM, Bob Giordano <mist@strans.org> wrote:
When you hear a hammer in a community shop it is worth a quick look to
ensure there is a real need for that type of tool.

One good use of a hammer is to get an axle 90% straighter, by rolling the
axle back and forth with one hand and delivering a moderate blow to the
bent side with your other hand (hold the rim against your chest,
perpendicular), when it is obvious the bent part of the axle is in the
'up' position.

Deliver the blow to the axle nut- which must be on the bent side- so you
do not damage threads.  Not the best method, as slight damage can be done
to the cone and/or bearing, yet for many bikes it is good enough and sure
beats full axle replacement.

Bent axles almost always occur on the drive side of a rear wheel (where
the most torque is applied during riding probably).

-Bob Giordano

--
Free Cycles Missoula
Shop: 732 S. 1st St. West, 541.7284
12PM-6PM Mon-Sat
Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation
www.strans.org, mist@strans.org, 406-880-6834



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