Rear dropout going to be a long-term problem?

Frank121 said:

I have Gios Evolution all-steel frame with the fixed steel horizontal
dropouts. It has never been built up, and with too many bikes I sold it
to a fellow who would build it and ride it.
When he came to pick it up and put it on a roof mounted bike carrier,
the rear wheel on the drive side would not go in, but the non-drive side
would. After looking at it, it was evident the rear right dropout was
just a bit smaller than other at the front end of the dropout.
I took a open-end wrench, put the handle between the dropout, and with
one application of force on the wrench the dropout now accepts the rear
wheel with no problem. It also looks to be the same distance the length
of both dropouts now.
My questions are:
(1) What is the possibility this adjustment will weaken the chromed
dropout and cause problems down the road with this drive dropout
from the small (maybe 1mm) adjustment?
(2) Is this something that others have experienced maybe by the dropout
closing a bit when shipped or something?
(3) Is there a better way to fix a problem like this in the future
should it occur again?
Thanks,
Frank

1. Chrome might crack, but I think it should be OK
2. I haven't experienced it with any of mine, but I expeienced it on a
roughly handled 1 X 1 Surly.
3. We fixed it the same way you did, but no Chrome involved. That
bicycle is ridden daily by a 250+ lb. man without any problems.

--

frank121 said:

I have Gios Evolution all-steel frame with the fixed steel horizontal
dropouts. ...the rear right dropout was just a bit
smaller than other at the front end of the dropout.

I took a open-end wrench, put the handle between the dropout, and with one
application of force on the wrench the dropout now accepts the rear wheel
with no problem. It also looks to be the same distance the length of both
dropouts now.

I did that a year ago on my late 80's Bianchi steel frame. I have ridden
that bike for hundreds of miles (wild guess: 1000 mi) since then with no
problem. I don't expect it to ever be a problem.

Another data point: bike shops have dropout alignment tools. I'm sure
they occasionally have to bend those dropouts to get them in alignment.

I'd be surprised if your Gios ever has a problem that was caused by your
little operation. If you're looking for more assurance next time, take
it to the LBS and see what they'll do about it.

--
Dave
dvt at psu dot edu