Cycling UK Forum

Hi Everyone I need to replace the broken clip from my FD. Pls see pictures, removing the clip was easy enough, its broken. However it hinges on a tiny pin that will not budge. I've tried a punch, penetrating oil, blow torch. Does anyone have any ideas pls? Other choice is to buy another FD mechanism. I can get the clip-clamp from Ebay but the seller says "We do not sell spares for the clip"! So if I drill out the pin how to I attach their clip OMG.

My answer for 2 points...

Turn the main body of the front derailleur on its side with the pin pointing upwards... then using a junior hacksaw very very very carefully without bring the edge of the saw against any other part or body of the derailleur cut the pin in two. Once the cut is made, with a set of pliers wiggle the two halves of the pin out..

Then build up the body of the damaged clip with chemical metal ensuring that the original hole is kept, before raiding your bits box for a substitute pin... or purchase the spare clip.

...even if you were successful at each stage, the chances that the hinge will be as strong as the original is debatable, depending on the substitute pin. Given the amount of effort, its probably time to buy a new front derailleur...

Either wiggle the pin out as above or drill it out; tricky to drill a steel pin (hard) out of an Ali. part(soft)
Once the pin is out, replace it with a nut and bolt, eg 4mm?

I had that happen to my Campag Centaur MTB f/d.
Unfortunately, in my case the bit broke off the body of the changer.
It had served me well up until that point.

I would expect to be able to make a new pin using a length of old spoke, epoxy resin bonded in place. I would also expect to be able to fabricate a stronger stainless steel clamp/clamp system for the derailleur if needs be.

Brucey wrote: ↑4 Feb 2024, 5:50pm I would expect to be able to make a new pin using a length of old spoke, epoxy resin bonded in place. I would also expect to be able to fabricate a stronger stainless steel clamp/clamp system for the derailleur if needs be.

Probably easier than getting the damned pin out; make a stainless half clamp that simply tucks behind the pin in situ.

531colin wrote: ↑4 Feb 2024, 5:58pm

Brucey wrote: ↑4 Feb 2024, 5:50pm I would expect to be able to make a new pin using a length of old spoke, epoxy resin bonded in place. I would also expect to be able to fabricate a stronger stainless steel clamp/clamp system for the derailleur if needs be.

Probably easier than getting the damned pin out; make a stainless half clamp that simply tucks behind the pin in situ.

I was thinking about a wire loop, wrapped around the extant pin and secured by welding. Not an especially hard job for anyone properly handy, I'd have said.

A do or die suggestion.
Saw through the pin in 2 places. Up against the inside of the edge of the body.
This will reduce the friction of the pin by half and give enough room for extraction of the bits of pin.
Heat may help ? Obviously there will be 2 bits of pin to punch out. Try and support the inside edge of the alloy body.
Optionally if a punch doesn't work then drill out each part. Centre-punch the pin end and drill out gradually, using small to larger drill bits. If the drilling is slightly off-centre and hits the alloy of the FD then I'm sure the bit of pin that is left will knockout.
You will need to fabricate a new pin or use a bolt.

Thinking outside the box. Just drill through the rear clamp and seat tube and pop rivet it in place.

If you can restore the casting, isn't the pin a roll pin which you can get in many sizes? You SHOULD be able to drive the old one out but make sure it's on a solid base with a suitable hole in it. Try grabbing it with some narrow nose pliers and turning it before tryting to drive it out.