[Pirx]

So I installed my my new SR BB cups (cleaned and relubed the bearings, too), and everything went fine, except the black finish got a few little scratches where the BB tool engages the notches in the cups. Now, these flaws are really tiny (the finish came off right at the edges of a few of the notches), and even I can live with those, as anal as I tend to be about such things , but I still wonder if there would have been a way to avoid those. I used the Park BB tool so that I could attach my torque wrench, and I even wrapped the cups with a few layers of Teflon tape for protection. However, at 35Nm the forces are quite substantial, so the Teflon broke in a few places. Out of curiosity, is there a better way to do this? More Teflon? Something else?

 

[cendres]

Does the Campagnolo tool fit tightly enough to prevent this? I don't know, I haven't used one (yet).

I've used a Shimano tool on several and it is okay, but there were still a few edges that needed touching up with the trusty Sharpie.

 

[spookyload]

Sharpie for sure is the answer. As for protection...no ideas other than what you tried. Maybe a few more layers of tape. You could also try black electical tape. Might be a tighter fit and more durable.

 

[Pirx]

Does the Campagnolo tool fit tightly enough to prevent this? I don't know, I haven't used one (yet).

Me neither. It might fit better, but then you can't use a torque wrench, and need to torque by the seat of your pants. Sharpie is a good idea, though :thumbsup:

 

[kjmunc]

I've seen LBS wrenchs put something like a plastic baggie or cling wrap around the BB before they put the wrench to the finish.

Agreed, it's a bummer to mar something that was designed with such a nice finish.

 

[Pirx]

I've seen LBS wrenchs put something like a plastic baggie or cling wrap around the BB before they put the wrench to the finish.

Interesting. I thought of using cling wrap, too. Maybe it would be tougher than Teflon tape. I'll let you know in a couple of years, when I swap cups next time

 

[tom_h]

Saran wrap, or other clear plastic food wrap over the cups, works well to prevent scratching. It's easier to overlay a small square of Saran wrap, and it's not as soft & tear-prone as teflon tape.

I think auto touchup paint will be better looking & more durable than a sharpie pen, for the cups. The sharpie rapidly fades away when exposed to sun.

 

[spookyload]

I think auto touchup paint will be better looking & more durable than a sharpie pen, for the cups. The sharpie rapidly fades away when exposed to sun.

While by no means a permanent finish, it is very easy to touch it up.