Shockwave Parts
Heavy Duty Pellet Retainer Tool
Heavy Duty Pellet Retainer Tool
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Heavy Duty Pellet Retainer Tool
A dedicated pellet retainer tool for needle air fill damper systems. It lets you snug the rubber pellet gently during pressurization so the port stays sealed long enough to remove the needle cleanly.
This is mainly useful on shocks that tend to leak during fill or right after needle removal, especially at high damper pressures (often 250+ psi).
Important note (not included)
This product is the pellet retainer tool only.
- Not included: needle fill adapter
- Not included: shock pump needle
Instructions and compatible needle tools are covered here: Needle Fill Tool Guide.
What it does
- Supports the press-fit rubber pellet during needle pressurization.
- Lets you apply a controlled light snug at full pressure to stop leakage.
- Prevents the common “won’t seal while filling” issue on some needle-fill dampers (often Fox).
Many high-end shocks (Push, Öhlins, EXT, many Kitsuma / DB CS) typically run lower bladder pressures and have tighter pellets, so this tool may not be necessary. If you can’t keep the port sealed during fill or the port leaks as you pull the needle, this tool targets that problem.
Compatibility
- Compatible with: needle fill ports using a press-fit rubber pellet.
- Common use: Fox shocks (Float X, DPX2, DPS, older CTD, etc.).
- Also used on: many Cane Creek Inline Air and DB Inline Coil (depending on the fill-port design).
- Often not required for: Push, Öhlins, EXT, most Kitsuma / DB CS (lower pressures, better sealing).
If your shock does not use a needle fill port with a press-fit pellet, this tool is not applicable.
Usage (needle pressurization step)
- Install your needle fill adapter + needle per the damper procedure.
- Pressurize the damper to target pressure.
- At full pressure, use this tool to snug the pellet very lightly—only enough to stop leakage.
- Remove the needle carefully.
- Once the needle is out, install the OEM screw (or finish the port closure step) per the damper design.
If the needle resists removal, the pellet was tightened too much.
Full guide: How to Use Pellet Retainer Tool and Needle Fill Instructions.
⚠️ Warnings & limitations
- Torque limit: ~1.5–1.6 Nm. Do not exceed.
- Overtightening can deform the pellet and cause future leaks.
- Overtightening can trap or break the needle inside the shock.
- Do NOT use this tool to loosen pellets, release pressure, or apply final closure torque.
- This tool is for the pressurization step only.
By purchasing/using this product, you confirm you understand the risks of high-pressure damper work and accept responsibility for your repair. See our Terms of Service.
What’s included / not included
- Included: 1× Heavy Duty Pellet Retainer Tool
- Included: depth-limiting collar(s) to prevent over-inserting the needle (protects bladder/IFP)
- Not included: needle fill adapter
- Not included: shock pump needle
Materials & specs
- Body: PETG CF (carbon-filled composite)
- Insert: forged carbon steel 4 mm hex (hand-machined and bonded)
- Tested torque: up to ~1.6 Nm (very low by design)
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