Abstract: A brake shoe hold down retainer cap release and reinstallation tool which includes an internal member notched on its face which enables a quarter turn rotation of the barbed hold down pin which in turn allows for the release of the brake shoe hold down retainer nail. The rotatable internal member features a thumb lever. External longitudinal member features a plurality of protrusions for engaging the hold down retainer cap while preventing sympathetic rotation of said retainer cap while torque is applied to barbed hold down pin. The removal and subsequent reinstallation of the brake shoe retainer hardware is an integral part of the brake shoe replacement process.