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How to pull cables fast enough into derailleurs?

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Old 08-04-22, 08:47 PM
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juntjoo
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How to pull cables fast enough into derailleurs?

I usually use pliers but I suspect there must be a less abusive way. Sometimes it's easy, others is not. Currently struggling with the front one on my Fuji Royale. And yes I have it in the gear that provides the most slack. I need to pull it in another 5mm to be able to shift up. Thanks

Whats the trick/tool to do this right?
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Old 08-04-22, 08:53 PM
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Holy crap. First, get a new cable. Having a full length cable makes it easier to pull. If you can't get it to work that way, cheat the low limit screw. Undo the cable, screw the low limit in a full revolution or so, attach the cable, undo the limit screw the same amount you turned it in. That old stuff doesn't work very well even when it's in good shape.
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Old 08-04-22, 09:28 PM
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RGMN
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I've used a 4th hand brake tool to hold some tension on the cable while tightening the pinch bolt.
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Old 08-04-22, 09:47 PM
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Zip Tie

Pull the FD in with a Zip Tie, then cut it off when your done.

Barry
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Old 08-04-22, 10:05 PM
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You can put it on a larger ring (or just hold the cage over) and then screw in the L screw the needed amount.
Then shift back to the smallest ring.
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Old 08-04-22, 11:46 PM
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sean.hwy
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I have always just used the limit screws on the front and rear derailleurs. Super easy that way.
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Old 08-05-22, 12:38 AM
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Originally Posted by sean.hwy
I have always just used the limit screws on the front and rear derailleurs. Super easy that way.
This, 100%.

- Understand where you need the lower limit.
- Return the shifter to its forward position.
- Tighten the lower limit two full revolutions or so, noting exactly the number of turns of your screwdriver.
- Secure the cable to the anchor bolt.
- Return the limit screw to its proper position.
- Check for cable slack. If there's too much, you know you need to turn the lower limit screw even more.
- Repeat/try again.

Always use a socket driver (not a wrench!) on the anchor bolt. You won't strip it that way. I use a 5/16" socket on anchor bolts like this.

Last edited by SurferRosa; 08-05-22 at 02:11 AM.
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Old 08-05-22, 01:52 AM
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Originally Posted by SurferRosa
This, 100%.

- Understand where you need the lower limit.
- Return the shifter to its forward position.
- Tighten the lower limit two full revolutions or so, noting exactly the number of turns of your screwdriver.
- Secure the cable to the anchor bolt.
- Return the limit screw to its proper position.
- Check for cable slack. If there's too much, you know you need to turn the lower limit screw even more.
- Repeat/try again.

Always us a 5/16" socket driver (not a wrench!) on the anchor bolt. You won't strip it that way.

Why are you using a SAE tools, most bikes have metric size fasteners and typically the nut for the anchor bolt on the FDER is a 9mm, works fine with a socket or combo wrench. Using the wrong tool may be the source of your damage warning.
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Old 08-05-22, 02:10 AM
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SurferRosa
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Originally Posted by JoeTBM
Why are you using a SAE tools? Most bikes have metric size fastener..
Try it. I've found my 5/16" socket fits more snug on all my vintage anchor bolts, whether they be Campy, Suntour or Shimano.
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Old 08-05-22, 04:52 AM
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While using the limit screws will help and should work, new cable and housing would go a long way towards making this easier. There must be so much friction in that old housing that it would barely work even if you could take up the slack.
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Old 08-05-22, 05:07 AM
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Echoing Cx and Zac,
you need new cables and housing.
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Old 08-05-22, 03:51 PM
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You might have a fray in the cable that's hanging up inside the housing or lever--new housing and cable is only $15-20.
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Old 08-06-22, 02:11 AM
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Originally Posted by SurferRosa
Try it. I've found my 5/16" socket fits more snug on all my vintage anchor bolts, whether they be Campy, Suntour or Shimano.
No Thanks, I believe my 9mm works just fine, I haven't had an issue in adjusting thousands of FDERs
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Old 08-06-22, 03:04 AM
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When the cable is loose I pull the cage over a smidge, tighten the pinch some, release cage, check slack, repeat if necessary, tighten to final pinching.
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