A method for protecting and merging a cantilevered flexure. In accordance with various embodiments. A carrier support surface supports a distal end of a cantilevered flexure. A merge support surface of a merge tool is aligned with a medial portion of the flexure. The merge support surface is used to displace the distal end of the flexure from the carrier support surface and to advance a transducer supported by said distal end to a final position.