Chipped carbon fork

[Tj123]

Ok so I have been a complete idiot and decided to fit a crown race to my carbon fork using a hammer and screwdriver wrapped in cloth. So guess what happened!! Slipped and taken a chunk out of the fork crown. I think it is just paint, but I have sanded down to see if any damage to the carbon. What do you guys think?
I have attached a pic.

Thanks

[mcfarton]

Did you try the coin test?

Personally if I had any doubt with a fork I would throw it out. It is one thing for a top tube or a chain stay to fail, it is another for a fork. Is it an expensive fork?


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[Tj123]

Yep tried the coin test and it all sounds the same. Just a bit concerned as it's the fork. Could a chip like that cause structural damage, isn't the fork crown a solid piece of carbon? Thanks

[mattr]

Pity you don't have a picture of the chip before you sanded, or do you even have the actual chipped off piece?

[kode54]

looks like clear coat chipped off. not a great clear coat job...as it shouldn't chip like that. i would sand down the area and use a rattle can to apply a clear coat protection. water can get under the chipped area and make it worse especially where the chipped area is.

[Tj123]

Hi I have the chips. 50p for size ref.

[kode54]

it didn't look like chunks of the fork came off from the first picture you posted. these look pretty bad, although judging from the coin...pieces are pretty small?

[Tj123]

Yer the biggest piece is about 5mm long by 1mm thick.

[mattr]

Almost certainly just the clearcoat.

[Tj123]

Thanks for that guys, always good to get others opinions. I have heard of people using nail varnish instead of lacquer is that ok?

[Kumppa]

If it would be carbon layer it would not chip like that or atleast it wouldn't be very strong layer after all. Pretty sure it's just paint or clearcoat. With clearcoat you would get more permanent protect but if it's not very expensive frame I would just use anything.

[GothicCastle]

Mistake #1: using the wrong tools to install a crown race
Mistake #2: thinking a bunch of internet randos can assess the safety of your fork