Gear cable stuck in grip shifter
07-15-13, 08:18 AM
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Gear cable stuck in grip shifter
How do I get this thing out? I've tried the smallest of tools to get behind it but it seems completely welded against the piece of plastic it's sitting in and I have no leverage on it! You can see the damage I've already done on it. It needs replacing as the old cable started to unravel
07-15-13, 08:38 AM
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Just a thought
How about drilling a tiny hole in the barrel end of the cable, then screw in a slightly larger self tapping metal screw (I have a bunch from electrical components i scrapped a few years ago and they are tiny like a head badge screw on old bikes)....might be able to yank it out using pliers on the screw head. I'd try to rock the screw back and forth a bit while pulling gently to loosen cable barrel.
Last edited by okane; 07-15-13 at 08:45 AM.
07-15-13, 09:58 AM
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Shifters vary in design and service method, but many have a small window for inserting new cables. Unfortunately when the cable breaks inside it's often impossible to push the old wire back out.
If yours does have a window, you can try a trick I've used in the past to extract old cables. Heat a strong needle until it's red hot at the tip. Gently but firmly push it into the head of the cable, letting it melt it's way through the zinc. Wait until it cools, and carefully withdraw the cable. If you get it at least part way out, you can finish the job with needle nose pliers.
If yours does have a window, you can try a trick I've used in the past to extract old cables. Heat a strong needle until it's red hot at the tip. Gently but firmly push it into the head of the cable, letting it melt it's way through the zinc. Wait until it cools, and carefully withdraw the cable. If you get it at least part way out, you can finish the job with needle nose pliers.
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07-15-13, 10:29 AM
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No problem, get a camera and produce one. I'm a bike mechanic, not a videographer.
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Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
07-15-13, 11:15 AM
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You might be using too slender a needle which cools too fast, or might not be heating it enough. I use heavy needles like those used by leather crafters, and have done this successfully a few times.
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07-16-13, 12:23 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions, in the end I got it out by filing away at the plastic a little to show more of the cable head and was able to get at it with a very small flat head screwdriver.
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