Rolling Out Bike Frame Dents With Frame/Tube Blocks

I show how to roll out a dent in steel bicycle frame tubes using frame blocks/tube blocks). This will not completely remove the dent, but will help make them smaller, and also reduce the high spots making the tube round. I will still need to fill in the remaining smaller dent. In the video I am rolling out dents in the top tube using 1" frame blocks. But you can roll out dents in the other tubes as well. Frame blocks are available in a variety of sizes 1", 1 1/8", 1 1/4". And even smaller sizes. I bought these aluminum blocks from Bicycle Research Tools. There are other brands available as well. Then can also be made from hardwood. Do not attempt this with frames other than steel (i.e. aluminum, titanium, etc).
I will fill the remaining dent with something like silver solder, Bondo, or JB Weld. Whatever I use will have to be compatible with the painting or powder coating process that I choose.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ShyFlirt1/RJTheBikeGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ShyFlirt1/RJTheBikeGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ShyFlirt1/RJTheBikeGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ShyFlirt1/RJTheBikeGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ShyFlirt1/RJTheBikeGuy.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

For more bike repair videos hit the subscribe button 🛑 and click the notification bell ► bit.ly/SubRJTheBikeGuy

[@NewEnglandDirtRoadie]

hey RJ, this video really helped with a dent in the top tube of my ritchey swiss cross. a little mod to your process will preserve the paint job. Paragon did not have the exact diameter rolling block i needed, with turned out to be good. i ordered the closest size up from the TT diameter. i wrapped the dented area with electrical tape to the diameter of the rolling block. and instead of rotating the frame inside the block, all i did was just clamp down, and that popped out most of the dent (to a point that i can live with until the frame gets a full, professional re-paint in the future), and preserved the paint in the area as well. thanks for this video

[@truckertom3323]

Learning something new every day, good stuff RJ.

[@bonboncheese9661]

Finally a video that helps with dents.

[@lihtan]

Just a heads up, dents in metal bicycle frames can lead to stress risers that can cause the tube to crack open. I've seen framebuilders that will replace an entire tube rather than try to work the dent out. This is especially true for lightweight thinwall tubing.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Steel frames can be repair like this to a certain extent. And yes, frame builder can replace tubes. Usually for more serious damage than this.

[@who6184]

Hi RJ, may I ask why not use this technique with an aluminum frame?

[@skiewthax]

Really nice results, I'm almost jealous i don't have a dented steel frame right now :)

[@bobbykbikes]

Thanks very much for this video, my 1956 Rudge Ulster Sports restoration has essentially ground to a halt due to a dented top tube (and chewed up looking dropouts, but that's another matter). I had no idea it was that simple. Thanks very much :)

[@scottdowney4318]

Done similar idea using a large crescent wrench and a torch to soften the metal. It knocks down the high spots. Always have to fill the low spots regardless.

[@RixterNow]

Nicely done RJ. Who knew you were such a craftsman. Always enjoy watching

[@capeman10]

Very interesting,. would have never known you can straighten a frame, if we're not for this video.

[@ElliotFlowers]

Yes, exactly.

[@okantichrist]

Straightening a frame is another thing this is removing dents.🥴

[@thekev506]

I hope you get a gigantic rear wheel for the frame, it's what Moser would use after all :P

[@jimhenson9255]

Is there a solution for aluminium frames? Thx

[@j.d.7321]

JB weld works great

[@stevegandalf4739]

Steel Is Real !!!

[@cachitoperez8829]

cool way to repair kinks in frames. good job. thanks!

[@odgreenoutdoors20]

Love your instructional videos, would it work better if u stripped the paint first and heated the metal around the dent area and then rolled it ? Or would that weaken the metal?

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

I used to work at a music store and the instrument repair man used lanolin when removing dents to preserve the instrument's finish.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Plating it harder than paint.

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

RJ The Bike Guy it's not the plating that's at risk, it's the clear lacquer coating the plating (usually silver plating if any)that needs protection.

[@wilsoulfull]

Can you make a video about how you strip and repaint your vintage bikes? Thanks!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Daniel Wilson Unless you have professional painting equipment, you are not going to get professional results from a can.

[@3Mever]

+RJ The Bike Guy can you show a method on how to remove stickers and their glue from the frame.i have tried some methods but with the stickers that are very old i cant get them off good.thanx

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4qUmnaGeLigfpI

[@greypeter]

Amazing - had no idea these existed. Great content, thanks!

[@Korina42]

Do you think this technique would work on a stretched steerer tube?

[@georgepapoulidis9728]

Great Repair mate, RJ who sells these Block

[@David-jm3zu]

I wonder if this would work for a wrinkle. Have a steel mountain bike that i bought used and didnt realize the frame was bent from a headon collision. I straightened the frame but there is a wrinkle on the underside of the top tube.😢

[@PInk77W1]

I have a weird question. I have a Seven ti frame. The big chain wheel Misses the chain stay by A micro hair. Is it possible to “Dent” the chainstay to give more clearance ? Thx

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I would not do that. Install a longer bottom bracket to move the chainring out.

[@weedfoxs]

Great video, would love to see the follow up video with the filling in. thanks.

[@that50chevy3]

your videos are very interesting!!

[@michaeljohanwilliem4296]

wondering if this would work on a chromoly frame

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Yes. Chromoly is steel.

[@chr0m389]

I'm guessing you've got a few french death stems kicking around, can you please do a video of how identify a death stem? I have an old ao-8 and I'm not sure If I have one or not.

[@PeterC-up9ue]

Do death stems suit suicide drop bars?

[@flikwood411]

Does this help with the frames integrity or just makes it look better cosmetically?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Both.

[@MBilallVlogs]

Use full video boss

[@ChrisShawc]

Very interesting. Thanks for posting this video.

[@Sooperhans3636]

Wow! Great vid. I hope to never have to do this but now I know how at least.

[@simonasm2647]

Great video, RJ! which filling method is compatible with powder coating? Thanks.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Simonas M. Contact your powder coater and find what they recommend.

[@thebadhusband]

Hey RJ, do you have any recommendations for ovular steel tubing such as some chainstays?

[@havefunandbikestuff]

Smartly done!

[@ukdodger]

Excellent. Thanks

[@aryabimaputra8021]

tinggal ditambah dempul dikit udah mantep om

[@sonymicronin]

Might actually consider some cheap njs frames with dents now lol

[@Smegmeister]

Oh wow how did I not know this

[@weixianng]

Very interesting! Do these dents compromise the overall strength of the frame though?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Wei Xian Ng Not really. They are just dents. Not bends or crack. Steel is pretty malleable.

[@atexaninkorea1773]

About how much would that cost to do at a bike shop?

[@niffcreature2018]

Do you have a video on straightening a bent downtube and top tube from a front impact

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Replace the frame and fork.

[@cerberus1981]

That did work pretty well. Out of curiosity: do you suspect that heating the dented area beforehand (w/ heat gun or even a blow dryer) might further aid this process?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+cerberus1981 I have read that it can help, but after you have already been rolling the dent, then heating it to cause the tube and the block to expand.

[@ClockwiseCycling]

You should etch/mark your blocks so it's clear what size is which one, if they get mixed up you could do some damage.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+ClockwiseCycling You can simply place the blocks on the frame and tell if it is going to match the diameter of the tubing. They aren't that close in size that you could get confused.

[@upward_onward]

RJ, can we make a bike frame smaller ? What process should we follow ?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Sell the frame and buy a smaller frame.

[@upward_onward]

@@RJTheBikeGuy ha ha ha

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

There are also weld-on tabs for pulling out dents on cars.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Those are for pulling dents out of big flat sheet metal panels. I doubt they would work as well on bicycle tubing.

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

RJ The Bike Guy can't say whether it'd work unless somebody has tried it, and it's possible to use quite a few tabs to get extra purchase (KZbin search might well be worth the bother), but the principal of welding on a tab attached to a thread accepting a tensioning bolt might well be applicable regardless of whether the car kits are suitable - although excessive heat might well not be the best for a heat-treated tube, a work-hardened/embrittled area resulting from a dent might also benefit from some annealing before being brought back into dimension.

[@zajonctrejn]

nice work

[@TheKeithbruce]

thanks, great video

[@MCNDR-zq7wx]

anyone in uk having this tools? need to fix 1 major dent like the one in here on a 653 toptube

[@bustabloodvessel5327]

I know it's been a while since your comment but I was wondering if you had any success fixing your 653 top tube. I have a 531p with a top tube dent I want to fix and any info would be helpful.

[@obi-wankenobi3675]

Do the frame blocks only work on equal diameter tubes say like a 1 inch tube? I ask because I have a 2011 specialized P1 which isn’t a true round tube. It’s a little wider side to side and gradually gets smaller along the tube to the seat post. Any help is appreciated

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No, they wouldn't work on a tapered or shaped tube.

[@zack7443]

I bought a cannondale f700 cad2 with a dent above the rear chainstay

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Do not not this on an aluminum frame.

[@zack7443]

@@RJTheBikeGuy damm

[@jackcarter233]

This is cool

[@cardboardcraft6688]

Hey RJ, I just got an old Peugeot road bike for free and where the kickstand had been clamped on, the tubes were squished. Would this method work for fixing it? Should I even try to fix it? Will it work just fine with the squished tubes?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

It might work,

[@teemuunny2612]

RJ, what about something like my Specialized Cirrus that probably won't be fixable with blocks? It has a lot different top tube that's more aero, flat top, pinched lines on the side, then a round bottom. Any hints?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Shrug. Take it to a frame builder.

[@ceelonium]

if I have a bulge in a spot just below the seat tube top (impossible to roll due to the stays in the way) can I hammer the bulge down every so gently?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Dunno. That doesn't sound good. Like some kind of frame damage.

[@JoeTansey1]

Sweet

[@NextLevelTruth]

I’m doing a true temper chromoly frame. Does it help to heat the dented area with a heat gun? Or just go at it cold? Thanks

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Heat gun won't help at all.

[@NextLevelTruth]

RJ The Bike Guy ok that’s a shame. I found out how strong heat treated , tru temper, double butted frame can be! It took all our mite. 2 guys a while with an oversized vice and it still can be better but we’re literally bending the arm on the vice ! My buddy said he’s never seen steel so strong before lol He recommended bringing it to a machine shop and paying someone who has a hydro vice? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@NextLevelTruth Wow!

[@NextLevelTruth]

RJ The Bike Guy yea it’s a rare Haro frame. The haro bikes that the riders used back in the day were way different than the complete Haro bikes sold. So this frame was a pros bike of 2001 hand made is USA. There just way over built.

[@NextLevelTruth]

RJ The Bike Guy also what fillers are good for powder coating in that heat? I just planned to have it weld filled and grind down carefully to perfection?

[@gregghatfield9946]

When you say steal ?? Can you use on chromolly?? Thanks

[@its_me_dave]

@Gregg hatfield You sh*ting me?

[@danielkostovski4517]

I have a question.I saw a road bike with very narrow tubes and it has a dent on the top tube. The bike is really light something like 7 kg. I don't know if it's aluminium or steel, but if the bike is from steel is it possible to ride the bike after fixing the dent? And is a road bike better for uphill rather than a heavier mountain bike with the same gearing. Thanks RJ :D

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Depends on the frame, and the dent. I can't tell you. A road bike would be better on roads, and a mountain bike would be better on trails.

[@dermotmaguire607]

where can I get the blocks that you use

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Bicycle Research Tools.

[@servan79]

what did you do with this frame afterwards? did you paint it? any video?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I haven't done much with it yet. There is another dent I need to fix. And I need to figure out how to fill the remaining dents.

[@seanglysing6913]

Can you ride a aluminium frame that have a tiny bit of dented in it

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

If it's just a small dent, they probably yes.

[@seanglysing6913]

Just a tiny dent hardly see it

[@theflubbybear]

Do you think this would be safe to do with a NiCR-MO 8630 frameset?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Probably, but you do it anything like this as your own risk.

[@jrocthadino]

Hi RJ. I have a 1980s Moser. I would like to replace the 6 speed non friction drivetrain to enhance the and add a compact crank. The current crank has a very odd bcd. Will you be doing videos explaining which bb is compatible with this frame?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+jrocthadino The frame takes an Itailian BB i beleive. 1.37"x24tpi. Keep in mind when choosing a crankset, there are actually several different flavors of square taper spindles, and you will need to get cranks that match your BB.

[@jsallen1946]

Italian is 36 x 24mm right-threaded both sides; British/ISO is 1.375 ix 24 TPI, right side is left-threaded.

[@nwolfe]

RJ, I just bought a fixie. The front wheel kind of rattles when it hits a bump. It seems like something may be loose? Have you ever had this or know of a solution?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Noah Wolfe kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGSufJJuoLabj7s

[@tayamaster8822]

I was wondering how long did rolling out the dent actually took you

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

5-10 minutes.

[@tayamaster8822]

RJ The Bike Guy thx for the info love your vids

[@bitsurfer0101]

Did you try brazing the frame?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No. I still need to finish that one. I kind of changed my mind and decided to use auto body filler as it will be just a small spot.

[@dummkompf]

can you do this on tapered chain stays? I have an old raleigh that I really care about and it has a lot of dents in the chain stay. I think one was meant to be there for chain ring clearance, but that one started buckling in when I was adjusting the rear triangle alignment so now I'm pretty concerned about it. 2nd question - if that is not fixable diy, do you know how I can find a frame builder that would be able to do it?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

If it was buckling, I think it should probably be replaced. I don't know any frame builder's. Try Google.

[@dummkompf]

well I guess "started buckling" was an overstatement, it looked horrifying at the time and I freaked out a little bit but it didn't buckle, really the dent got bigger with a more noticeable crease in the middle because I pushed the stay too far out. I think it's rideable but I want to find a way to fix it. I wonder if someone who specializes in doing "paintless dent repair" on cars would be able to push it out.

[@jonienglish3231]

RJ - How about filling tube with WATER !!! and freezing , when ICE EXPANDS will push dent back out ?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You can't control the water. I have seen a chain stay, and fork lower, both split open by water that got in there and froze.

[@jonienglish3231]

i am going to try PAintless dent removal kit from ebay glue on plastic rivits to pull out with supplied tool !!!!!!!! on a 2015 cannondale f29 alloy if does not work will bring frame to aluminum welder to TIG weld and fill in DENTS !!! after sand down

[@danielcentilli2288]

RJ, where did you order your frame blocks from?...Scrolling through comments I found "bicycle research tools"

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

It was also in the description. You can try www.paragonmachineworks.com/frame-building-parts/frame-building-tools/tube-blocks.html

[@danielcentilli2288]

Thank you RJ. I think Bicycle Research is no longer in business. So thank you for the paragon link. Also, I live in Phoenix, so one of these days I am gonna drive up to JA Stein in Prescott Az. I really want to see their shop

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@danielcentilli2288 This video is over 4 years old. Stuff changes.

[@TheHELMski]

Do you paint your own frames? Do you have a video on stripping and painting? Love your videos! Super helpful!!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Not yet.

[@sonymicronin]

Might actually consider some cheap njs frames with dents now lol

[@se7ensnakes]

I have a dent in my pristine colnago due to shipping RJ you are a dream saver. I am wondering if you could complete the process with a stud dent welder which is meant to go on thin sheet car metal. You may be able to pull it out nicely but i dont know if it will put a hole in the frame. I need to test it out

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I don't recommend the stud dent puller. Roll out the dent and fill it.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Though, if it is a high end Colnago, you may want to have a professional frame builder work on it.

[@se7ensnakes]

@@RJTheBikeGuy I went to your website but could not locate the tube blocks for sale

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

www.paragonmachineworks.com/frame-building-parts/frame-building-tools/tube-blocks.html

[@runardamnes6359]

I would simply tin (for car bodys) that dent. Tin should be a stable foundation for paint on a bicycle frame. Some time ago i used 60/40 solder on a metal cabinet. Despite the lead, the paint is still on there, but it's probably not the right way to do it.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Runar Damnes Lead has too low of a melting point to be used if I have the frame powder coated.

[@aitorbleda8267]

+RJ The Bike Guy Maybe you could use pure tin, as it melts at 240º and powder coating curing needs 200º?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Aitor Bleda This is what it says on the web site of my local powder coater "Items must be able to withstand the 400 degree curing temperature."

[@aitorbleda8267]

+RJ The Bike Guy Ok, my fault. Pure tin melts at 240º Celsius. Powder Coating requires 400º Fahrenheit, ie 204º Celsius. So it won't melt.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

There are two kinds of countries. Those who use the metric system, those who have landed on the moon. :D

[@JacksJamz]

Hi Rj the bike guy. I'm a recent subscriber and I'm loving your videos, it's really getting me into bike. I have just found a bike with a similar problem to this one on eBay. it a Dawes Galaxy, apparently from the 90's with Shimano Tiagra everything. it needs a saddle and a bit of work. I was just wondering if you think it's worth it?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Jacks Jamz Nope. You gotta do your own research on that. And bike prices vary by market area.

[@JacksJamz]

+RJ The Bike Guy okay, to be honest I think I'm going to do it anyway. it would be worth it for something I can learn on

[@JacksJamz]

+RJ The Bike Guy I just realised I forgot to say it's £20

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Jacks Jamz Kind of hard to go wrong for that price.

[@bellavia5]

Wow!! What a blast from the past. I read an article in Cycling Mag -when it used to be more about riding than about products. This was back in the 80's. The rider said he rode a Dawes Galaxy -"a bike that will take you 125 miles per day -if the winds are right". Don't know why this stuck in my mind. Maybe the name -Galaxy.

[@muzykm]

What I can do with aluminum frame?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+muzykm Don't try the stuff in this video. Just live with the dent. Or maybe fill it with bondo and repaint.

[@MrAlphacallsign]

Jack's Son depends where is the dent , you can replace the tube that’s one option but it’s to much man hours or take it to a shop and the will replace the dent tube but at what price ?

[@user-ib9xy1ec9k]

Get bondo mental/aluminum paste at walmart. 5 bucks. Fill in the dent. Wait 2 hours to dry. Sand it flush with tube..then slap a decal over it. Good as new. Noone would ever know. That's my fix.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

As I said in the video, when the metal is pushed in, it bulges on the sides. This pushes the bulges in, and helps push the dent out. A follow up with bondo is the next step, then paint. Your method leaves the bulges. Maybe you ride a Next or Magna.

[@DIA4000]

Its not good to paint these nice frames. Their patina is priceless

[@frugalcode]

Wouldn't some heat helped in this situation?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Alin Iordache After you have rolled it cold, you can try adding heat which will cause the tube and block to expand and you might get a little more out of it.

[@frugalcode]

Ok, so after rolling it, not before. Thanks.

[@aitorbleda8267]

+Alin Iordache If the steel is heat treated.. you might be removing the treatment, I wouldn't do it.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Aitor Bleda I was talking mild heat. Like hair dryer heat. Not torch heat. Not hot enough the remove the heat treating.

[@aitorbleda8267]

+RJ The Bike Guy I guessed so much, but I was fearing the torch brigade.. The hub and therefore the propeller on the aerovee aircraft engine is installed using a shrink fit method directly into de crankshaft. Many people heard this and went to get their torches, while the proper method is using heated oil to heat the parts. As a result, the hardened steel got weaker and failed. People died.

[@marbroify]

how bout a before and after shot

[@enriques51]

Why Ebay doesn't sell those blocks??? :))

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Ebay doesn't sell anything. People sell things. Ebay is a marketplace.

[@enriques51]

If you live in Uk the EBay is the only way to be do by your self and/or not spend a fortune in bike shops

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@enriques51 www.paragonmachineworks.com/frame-building-parts/frame-building-tools/tube-blocks.html

[@felero]

Where can I buy those frame blocks?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

www.bicycletool.com/frameblock1.aspx

[@felero]

Where are you located? Would you do this dent removing for other people?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Sorry, I don't have an open shop like that.

[@felero]

Oh too bad. Thank you for your response anyway. Good luck to your KZbin vlog.

[@mikepattisall6078]

awesome

[@baby1971baby1971]

No issues with assembly for me kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L but I could see where some might benefit from using an experienced bike assembler/mechanic. I'm an older rider starting back after a 10 year break. This bike exceeds my capabilities and has been easy to get comfortable riding. I'm mostly on easy trails with almost no street riding and have not been disappointed with the performance of the bike. My fitness level is far below what I previously rode with and because of that the mileage is going on the bike slowly. While I'm losing weight slowly, the bike seems to tolerate my 220 pounds just fine. The bike has been used by several family members ranging from 5'5" - 5'9".

[@edwinot]

Hi, I have dented frame and I would love your opinion on the damage. If it's reparable I don't have a problem sending it to you. Do you have an email address I could reach you?Thank you.

[@aitorbleda8267]

+Edwin Otero You could post a video, and then we could all post our opinion...

[@AspectRatioPolice]

Good work, but repainting a classic frame is never good. just retouch the affected area.

[@MrMateZ]

you should do a video of how to repair a carbon fibre frame

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Generally I think damaged carbon frames are just replaced. I have seen a product that supposedly can be used to repair a cracked/broken carbon tube, but I am would be leery. And it wrapped around the tube, so it wouldn't be a pretty fix.

[@loganebeling9023]

man, it really screws with the paint. almost doesn't seem worth it

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Logan Ebeling As I said, I am going to be having the frame stripped and repainted. If I had simply filled in the dent, the high spots would have still been there.

[@loganebeling9023]

+RJ The Bike Guy Right, makes sense if you're going to repaint. Is there a reliable method for getting the dents out but still preserving the paint?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Not that I am aware of.

[@johnprice5457]

have you ever tried the wooden block variety? maybe that would be easier on the paint

[@FactionPlays01]

First

[@Randito8879]

Gorgeous bike. Thanks for posting