Thought I'd Broken My Frame

[awol]

I think you may have forgotten the "," it can't have been an inch out

Yes it was showing an inch out both ways but I did find out shortly after that the gear-hanger fixing screw was loose.

 

[awol]

I've repaired a few of those hangers by heating them up and bashing them flat with a hammer after they got bent. the only tools I used were the gas cooker, hammer, a big screwdriver to lever open the gap and my eyes.

I recommend making one of these tools, I've now a second bike with smoother running gears.
Something like 20mm or 25mm sq tube about 400mm long and a M10x1.0 fine thread bolt about 70/80mm and about half dozen nuts+washers for spacers.

 

[EddiePJ]

This could be one for someone's watch list. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Park-Tools-DAG-1-Derailleur-Hanger-Alignment-Gauge/173093357600?hash=item284d2b0820:g:jjwAAOSwY3daWJxP

 

[awol]

I still have a smile on my face when pedaling hard particularly in gear 7&8 how smooth it is now.