Tools
Our goal is to make derailleur service as easy as possible. That's why we make the right tools, service videos, and information easily accessible for you. This page provides useful reference information on the special tools you will need.
Pin Installation/Removal Tools
The parallelogram linkage pins are press fit into the derailleur, so they often require significant force to install or remove. We've tested many ways to install and remove them, and found a couple ways that work best (punching, and arbor press).
The Madrone punch tools allow you to punch the pins more easily, effectively giving you an extra hand so you can hold the derailleur in alignment while punching. These punch tools allow you to generate an impact force that will free up a stuck pin.
We recommend to watch our assembly guide videos for tips and tricks with this tool. In general, we recommend:
- Use this on a very solid work surface, such as a thick bench, vice, or even a block of wood on the floor if you don't have something better.
- Make sure both ends of the pin are centered in the tools.
- Hammer once, then re-check that the tool is centered.
- Use good lighting so you can clearly see.
The large spacer support is often used for removing pins. The head of the pin fits inside it. The small spacer support is often used for installing pins. It fits inside the bushing hole in the links, and the 4mm pin will fit inside the spacer support.
You will need to provide your own 5/32" (or 4mm) punch. We recommend one with a flat tip and long length. These are easy to find online or at your local hardware store.
You don't necessarily need to use the vertical support arms. You can also install or remove pins using just the bases of the punch tools.
Another method is to use an arbor press, which is a great way to install or remove pins slowly while still generating a lot of force. Not many people have an arbor press at home, but you can find a low cost arbor press for under $70 USD.
Some clever people have found that using a bench vice works in place of an arbor press. For this to work, you will need a vice that can open wide enough, and has minimal play so parts and tools do not get misaligned when clamping.
Snap Ring Tools
The small M4 snap rings on derailleurs can be frustrating to remove and install, even with common miniature snap ring pliers. The tips of the tool need to be small diameter and able to precisely contact each other when closed. That's why we developed this snap ring tool. There are 2 snap ring tools we know to work well.
- Knipex 49 31 A0. Knipex makes high quality tools, and this one is available for under $30 USD from a variety of online retailers. The best feature of this tool is that you can set the limit for how wide it opens up, so you will not over stress the snap rings.
- Madrone snap ring tool. Our tool is designed specifically for servicing the M4 snap rings on derailleurs. With grippy levers and precisely formed tips, this tool makes the snap ring steps of servicing your derailleur a cinch. As an added bonus, it comes with a protective cover that snaps on for safety to prevent you from getting poked by the fingers or damaging the tips. You can even bend and form the tips to maintain the tool over time.
AXS Torsion Spring Clamp
The torsion spring for the AXS links is extremely difficult to re-install if you take it out. This is why Madrone developed a tool that clamps the body of the spring, allows you to pre-load the spring, hold the lower link, and easily install them to the clutch housing. Note: This tool only works with Madrone links (not the stock SRAM links).
AXS Link Holding Tool
The link holding tool is used the hold the lower link in the correct position when assembly the 2 halves of the derailleur together, making it easier to place the servo arm into the lower link and then seat the end of the spring into it. Note: This tool only works with Madrone links (not the stock SRAM links).
Bushing Removal Tool
The SRAM Eagle mechanical derailleurs (X01 and XX1) have bushings that have to be removed from the links before the links can come off the derailleur. The bushing removal tool helps remove the press-fit bushings from the links. The threads of the tool bite into the inside diameter of the bushing, allowing you to pry them out.
We recommend to not force the SRAM links off the derailleur without removing the bushings first, or you will damage parts you will need for your rebuild. Note: The Madrone links and bushings do not require using this tool, and neither do the stock SRAM GX links and bushings.
