Ideas for tensioning rear derailleur on single speed

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I'm having major trouble finding a solution to keep my rear derailleur tensioned for a single speed setup.

I tried using the end of a brake cable, it worked for a while but broke eventually.

I tried a bolt, it worked until the bolt actually slowly bent, you can see it in the picture with the red arrow pointing at it.


Does anyone have an idea on how I can keep this thing tensioned?

The red circles are normally where the shifter cable would go.

Thanks.

 
Is it getting bashed up?

Cuz I've used derailers with the end of a cable (brake or shifter type) to hold tension, with no problems once adjusted originally. I've also just used the limit-set screws to do it, without ever bending them. But on my stuff it just gets used on-road, and mostly doesnt' get banged around, etc.


If yours gets bashed up a lot, you might see if your derailer frame is steel, and then weld it in place after marking it's adjustment, if you don't have the option of a regular singlespeed tensioner (I think ProblemSolvers makes one, Surly might, too, and I know there are others I can't recall the name of). You may also be able to make one out of an old rim brake arm, and the jockey wheel out of a derailer (and probably it's main spring).
 
Use a spoke
 
Must be getting bashed. I've temporarily used some baling wire, but a spoke sounds like a great idea. Clamp in one end, then bend over on the other, like I do with the wire.

If the limit screws have enough range, that could work best.
 
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