Repairing Guides

how to repair a broken bike chain

by Victoria Hettinger Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair a Broken or Bent Chain

  • Stop riding and flip your bike over. This is the easiest way to assess the damage, as you can easily pedal the bike forward to find the culprit of your ...
  • If the chain is bent and still attached to the bike, remove the chain using a chain breaker tool as close to the compromised part of the chain as possible. ...
  • You do not have to remove the chain completely from the bike to fix a broken chain, but it can be a little cumbersome to kneel over the bike to ...
  • By bending the chain in your hands, you can figure out how much of the chain is damaged.
  • Make sure you have a roller (see diagram) on the opposite end and the pin you are about to push through will leave you with two outer plates.
  • Using your chain breaker tool, begin to push the pin through. Be careful to not push the pin all the way through the outer plate. ...
  • Thread the chain back through your derailleur and line up the pin on your tool with the pin in the chain. ...
  • Wiggle the chain back and forth with your hands to work out any stiffness in the newly installed link.
  • You’re good to go!

How to remove a bike chain without breaking it?

Removing a Chain Link Without Chain Breaker Tool

  • A hammer
  • A thin nail, or something that can hit the chain pin without getting stuck on the chainplates. A 2mm hex wrench can be used as well.
  • You will need something that can withstand a beating but has a hole in it for the pin to pass through. ...

How to unlock a bike chain?

The method here is to tug at each end until you see a gap form. For example, when the first number has the correct digit, you'll notice a small gap between the first and second slots. As you can see below, once the first number reaches 3, you can notice a small gap when tugging at each end.

How to properly lubricate a bike chain?

Chain lubricant: Properly lubricating your chain helps extend the life of your drivetrain. Always apply bicycle-specific lube oil to a clean chain. There are two types of lube: wet or dry. Wet lube is best to use when you’ll be riding in wet conditions. It strongly adheres to the drivetrain and is less likely to rinse off in rain.

How often should I lubricate a bike chain?

When to Clean and Lube

  • Regular, On-Bike Cleanings. On a regular basis, look at the entire chain by standing to the side of your bike and lifting the rear wheel off the ground.
  • Occasional Off-Bike Cleanings. Every few months or so (more often for mountain bikes), completely remove your chain using a chain-removal tool.
  • A Word on Lubricants. ...

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Can you fix a snapped bike chain?

A broken bicycle chain will render your bike useless but can be repaired on the road, at least sufficiently to allow you to ride home. You will need a bicycle chain-tool which comes as part of most multi-tools, as well as a spare quick-link.

How much does it cost to fix a broken chain on a bike?

How much does a bike chain cost to replace? Entry level chains can start off around $15.00 with more expensive and higher performance chains ranging from $25.00 to $60.00 or more. More expensive chains increase shift quality and are generally more durable as they wear.

How do you break and reattach a bike chain?

1:387:42How to Fix a Broken Bicycle Chain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst. We see the break occurred at this rivet damaging these outer plates. We press out both rivetsMoreFirst. We see the break occurred at this rivet damaging these outer plates. We press out both rivets to remove the damaged. Plate. Then we reconnect our chain using a master. Link.

How do you fix a broken bike chain without the tool?

3:467:01Roadside Bicycle Chain Repair - without master link - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst we'll remove the portion of broken link this pin can come all the way. Out. You now we have aMoreFirst we'll remove the portion of broken link this pin can come all the way. Out. You now we have a roller with an inner. Link take the other end.

Why do bike chains break?

Chains, like anything else on your bike, can be damaged if it gets hit hard enough. While not as common, chains can break if they are involved in a rock strike or other impact. Impact damage to chains can be more difficult to repair than if the chain breaks due to wear.

How do I buy a new bike chain?

When selecting a chain, the first consideration is the number of rear sprockets. The rear cog sets have been made with 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 sprockets. As the number of cogs on the rear hub increases, the spacing between cogs tends to be reduced.

Can a broken chain be fixed?

Yes, it can be repaired. However, a golden rope chain belongs to the types of chains that aren't as straightforward in repairing. It's hard to maintain its original integrity because of the way it is constructed once it is broken. Gold rope chains are made with delicate, tiny interlocking rings of gold.

Is it easy to fix a bike chain?

Unless you do a lot of mountain biking, it isn't often that you'll need to repair or change your bike chain. However, chains do break now and then, and being able to fix one on the street is no harder than fixing a flat tire if you are prepared. To fix a broken chain, all you need is a chain tool.

How do you break a bike chain without a chain breaker?

0:093:03How to break a bike chain (without a chainbreaker) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen we're going to tap that pin out with a hammer. You can see it's starting to come out as we tap.MoreThen we're going to tap that pin out with a hammer. You can see it's starting to come out as we tap. It so i've pushed the nail all the way through and popped the pin out you can see that's how it.

How do you fix a broken chain temporarily?

1:3512:38How to Fix Broken Chain Necklaces jpg - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTaking it past the point where you think it's close tight and it'll kind of spring back in placeMoreTaking it past the point where you think it's close tight and it'll kind of spring back in place that addition of a jump ring then will allow you to either add your new clasp.

How do you reattach a bike chain pin?

2:597:04Remove & Replace A Chain Pin - Park Tool CT-3.2 Chain BreakerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can feel it here again watchmaker category. Now I want to leave just the slightest. Bit ofMoreAnd you can feel it here again watchmaker category. Now I want to leave just the slightest. Bit of nub Yule on the end of that so when I put it back together.

How do you connect chains together?

1:103:30Chain quick links: A quick guide to easy connection - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut the links into the opposing ends of the chain. And bring them together link them together usingMorePut the links into the opposing ends of the chain. And bring them together link them together using the large slotted holes to join correctly the goal is to pull the link apart.

How much does a new bike chain cost UK?

You'll save money if you replace your chain before it becomes too worn. Normally, you can get through around 3 chains, before you need to replace the cassette. A new chain costs around £12-£15 and a new cassette costs around £20.

Are bikes worth repairing?

If the integrity of the frame is compromised, it's time for a new bike. If the frame is bent, cracked, rusted through, has broken welds, a stuck seatpost or bottom bracket, it's time for it to be retired.

How often should a bike chain be replaced?

every 2,000 milesThe 2,000-Mile Rule. To avoid this accelerated wear of your cassette and chainrings, a general rule of thumb is to replace your bike's chain every 2,000 miles. Mind you, this is just a starting point. No two chains will wear at exactly the same rate because no two riders treat their chains the same.

How long does a chain last on a bike?

So, how long do bike chains last? In general, a good chain will last 2,000 to 3,000 miles or 3 to 4 years. Chains on mountain bikes and electric bikes will get worn out faster. Many factors can influence chain life, such as conditions, speed, weight, and stress.

How to remove a chain from a bike?

To remove the chain from the bike, you need to disconnect the chain, which is also called breaking the chain. There are a couple methods to do this depending on whether your chain has a master link or not. Before you begin, shift your chain to the smallest chainring and smallest cog. Even better, remove the chain from the front chainring ...

How to check if bike chain is stretched?

How to Check a Bike Chain. To check your chain for excessive stretch, use a chain wear tool. Hook one end over one roller (or pin) in your chain. The other end will either come to rest on top of the chain or you will be able to insert it in the opening between two rollers. If it drops between the rollers, it means your chain is stretched ...

How to use a chain pin?

Using a chain pin: If your chain does not have a master link, use a chain tool to reconnect the chain with the chain pin included with your new chain. If you are repairing an existing chain, always use a new chain pin rather than reusing an existing pin. Your new pin should be compatible with your chain speed and brand.

What to do if your chain doesn't have a master link?

Using a chain pin: If your chain does not have a master link, use a chain tool to reconnect the chain with the chain pin included with your new chain.

What is a master link chain?

Replacement Pin or Master Link: New chains will come with either a new pin, or a specialized link called a master link, to connect the two ends of the chain together. If you are repairing an existing chain, you can buy replacement pins or master links separately—they should be compatible with your chain speed and brand.

How to remove tension from chain?

If you have a standard chain with no master link: Seat the chain in the chain tool, with the pin of the chain tool aligned with a pin in the chain. Turn the handle of the chain tool until you push the pin out far enough that you can break the chain.

Why is my chain rusty?

If you live near the beach where sand can get into your drivetrain or if you live in a wet environment where rain routinely flushes away your chain lube, making your chain rusty, keep a closer eye on the condition of your chain. Both can cause your chain to wear out faster.

How to fix a broken chain on a bike?

To fix a broken or bent chain, you will need to remove it from your bike AND remove the broken or bent links. To do that, you will need a chain breaker tool . In the video, we used the Park Tool Master Chain Tool, which is the best tool for the job. But if you are on the side of the road or trail, you will probably want something a little more compact. Most multi-tools will come with a chain breaker attachment, make sure yours has one before you leave the house!

How to remove a bent bike chain?

If the chain is bent and still attached to the bike, remove the chain using a chain breaker tool as close to the compromised part of the chain as possible. Push the pin all the way through, as you will toss this section of the chain.

How to reattach a power link chain?

When you reattach your chain with a PowerLink, there is a neat trick to use: Connect the chain with the PowerLink and pull the chain on either side to work the link’s pins into the holes. It is likely that the pins will not lock completely just by pulling. So, squeeze your rear break and press down on the front pedal. This pressure should pop the link into place!

How to remove a chain without letting the pin fall out?

You should be able to remove the damaged chain without letting the pin fall out completely. Thread the chain back through your derailleur and line up the pin on your tool with the pin in the chain. Slowly and carefully drive the pin back into the link to connect the chain.

What is a power link on a bike chain?

A PowerLink allows you to remove your chain without a chain breaker and reattach your chain without fumbling with pressing a pin back into your chain link.

How to work out stiffness in chain link?

Wiggle the chain back and forth with your hands to work out any stiffness in the newly installed link.

How to tell if a chain is damaged?

By bending the chain in your hands, you can figure out how much of the chain is damaged.

How to remove broken chain?

Remove the broken parts of the chain by pushing out the pins adjoining the damaged parts. With the pin-driver withdrawn, place the chain onto the hooks in the chain-tool. The hooks hold the chain so that the pin lines up with the pin-driver. Turn the lever so that the pin-driver pushes on the pin.

How to put a chain on a bike?

Begin by threading one end of the chain through the cage of the front derailleur in the direction of the rear of the bike. Pass the chain over the smallest sprocket of the rear gears and then under the sprocket. The chain then should wrap around the top jockey wheel, to the front and the lower jockey wheel to it’s rear.

How to fit a quick link chain?

In order to fit the quick-link you will need to end up with each end of the chain comprising of the inner plates. To achieve this it may be necessary to remove undamaged parts of the chain. Have a think about this before you push out any pins, which cannot be refitted, and remove only the minimum number of chain parts necessary.

Where should the chain wrap on a bicycle?

The chain then should wrap around the top jockey wheel, to the front and the lower jockey wheel to it’s rear. Ensure that the broken bicycle chain is not rubbing on any part of the rear derailleur.

Can you leave a quick link on a bicycle chain?

It is perfectly okay, and in fact advisable, to leave the quick-link permanently fitted for the life of your chain. They can be difficult to remove by hand, so be mindful of this before connecting the chain. Initially it will be necessary to remove any broken parts of the bicycle chain. The method described below may render your chain ...

Can you remove a broken bicycle chain?

Initially it will be necessary to remove any broken parts of the bicycle chain. The method described below may render your chain a little shorter than usual, especially if the chain has twisted. This can mean that the new chain length may not accommodate the larger sprockets on your bike. As a rule, therefore, it is advisable to stick ...

Does Yellow Jersey bicycle insurance cover mechanicals?

Sometimes we get mechanicals that we just can’t fix ourselves by the side of the road. Yellow Jersey Bicycle Insurance includes taxi reimbursement if you have a mechanical and cant get home. THis ‘break down recovery’ is available on the Performance and Ultimate tier policies.

How much does it cost to fix a broken bike chain?

How much does a bike chain cost to replace? Entry level chains can start off around $15.00 with more expensive and higher performance chains ranging from $25.00 to $60.00 or more.

How do I know if my bike chain needs replacing?

If you are using a chain designed for ten or fewer gears, replace your chain as it nears the 0.75 percent mark. If you are using an eleven or twelve speed chain, replace your chain once it has reached 0.5 percent wear.

How often do bike chains break?

Replacing your chain regularly can prolong the life of your drivetrain. Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.

How much should a bicycle tune up cost?

Depending on your area, the average bike tune-up costs anywhere between $60 and $100. Most shops offer two options – A Minor/Basic Tune-up that costs $55 to $89 and a Major Tune-up that typically costs between $119 and $150. Cost often depends on the services included in the tune-up.

How long does a bike chain last?

How Long Does a Bike Chain Last? So, typically, a bike chain can last anywhere from 500 to 5,000 miles, depending on the type of chain you buy and the number of miles you put on your bike. If you ride your bike very seldom, or only go on the occasional evening ride, your bike chain can last years with good maintenance.

Can you fix a broken gold necklace?

If the damage can be fixed, the jeweler will either oil the hinge, bend it back into shape, or rebuild any broken parts. When the clasp is damaged beyond repair, the jeweler will simply replace it and assemble it to the rest of the chain with some snipping and soldering.

How do you fix a broken gold chain link?

Place your gold chain on a work surface or a ceramic soldering board. Use a pair of tweezers to fit the two ends of your chain back together and press the links to close them. Now apply a little amount of the solder to the joint or the broken parts of your chain links using a cotton swab.

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