This invention relates to an activating tool (1) for connecting to and displacing a component (40) in a well tube (4), activating tool (1) includes a driving device (8) axially displaced in two axial directions; a sleeve-shaped release element (14) with an annular end portion (52); a gripper holder (20) arranged axially displaceable in release element (14) and displaced by driving device (8); axially longitudinal recesses (24) in gripper holder (20); at least two radially displaceable gripping elements (26) spring-biased in a radial outward direction, positioned in respective recesses (24) and complementarily fitting respective cut-outs (42) in the component (40), and each gripping element (26) has a slanted rear portion (48); gripping elements (26) retracted into release element (14) in passive positions of gripping elements (26), and gripping elements (26), at least partially, displaced out of release element (14) in active positions of gripping elements (26) so end portion (52) hits slanted rear portions (48) of gripping elements (26) when gripper holder (20) is pulled inwards in release element (14), gripping elements (26) optionally switched between active and passive positions. A method for changing gripping element (26) in the activating tool (1) is described.