How to remove links from a bicycle chain

Last Updated: February 13, Fact Checked. He has been a bike mechanic sincebeginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years.

Last Updated: March 12, References. This article was co-authored by Ikaika Cox. He has been a bike mechanic since , beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. This article has been viewed , times. If your replacement bike chain is too long for your bike, you'll need to adjust it first for safe riding. Chains will also "stretch" over time, but do not shorten the chain to address this issue. Stretching is a sign of wear, and once your chain exceeds the recommended maximum on a chain stretch gauge, it needs a full replacement.

How to remove links from a bicycle chain

Ever wondered how to remove a link from a bike chain? Well look no further Here's a guide that will show you everything that you need to know. You'll want to put some slack into the chain to make it easier to extract the link. To do this, simply put the chain on the smallest cog at the back, and the smallest ring at the front. On a side note I've wrote a review on a KMC chain recently which you can check out - here. Initially what we're looking for is the ring below, and technically you can remove the link without using any tools what so ever. You remove it by pushing the two plates together slightly, and then just slide them apart. However, they're normally quite stiff, so unless you're the Hulk you'll at least need a pair of pliers. The ones below are specially made to grip the rounded rollers of the metal and will easily remove it. If there's no quick link you'll have to use a chain tool to remove the ring but don't worry, it's a simple process. If you'd like to learn how to extract and replace a bike link in detail, then watch the great informational video below by Global Cycling Network. However, if you don't have access to the tools required then read below. What if your chain has no quick link and you don't have access to a tool? Well, that's when things get a little more trial and error, but it's still possible. The optional tools are to drill a hole into the wood, but none of that is necessary.

You can find a chain tool online or at your local bike shop.

Repair Tips. They are a clever piece of modern bike technology, simple and effective, but they can be a real pain to remove once they are fitted. Quick links can prove to be quite stubborn to remove by hand, especially ones that have been on a chain for a long time. I would recommend buying the specialised pliers if you want to do it the best way, but this method in the video does actually work. This method should be a fairly easy way of pulling apart the link that is locked into your chain. Because the 2 quick link plates need to be pulled in opposite directions, a gear cable can be wrapped around the link, doubling the wrap makes it more secure, and then you will have the two ends of the cable in your hands. By pulling these two ends apart, you are essentially releasing the links from their locked positions.

One of the most important maintenance tasks is removing links from your bicycle chain. Over time, your chain will stretch and wear out, and removing links is necessary to keep it functioning properly. If your chain is not worn out or stretched, removing links can actually cause damage to your bike. Removing links from a bicycle chain requires a few specific tools and materials. A chain tool is an essential tool for removing links from your bicycle chain.

How to remove links from a bicycle chain

Be careful to not force the pin in or out incorrectly. If it is difficult to press the pin through the chain, the tool is most likely not aligned up properly. Greasing the threads of the chain cutting tool will make it easier to press in or out the pin. Align the push pin of the tool with the pin on the chain, and tighten the tool until the pin protrudes out the other side without falling all the way out. Stop pushing the pin out when it is just held in by the outer link, so it doesn't fall all the way out. You will still be able to separate the links. Use the chain cutter tool to press the chain pin back through the chain link. If it is difficult to push it back in, the links are not aligned properly. Realign and try again if this is the case. Reusing pins in chains can cause the chain to fail.

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Thank you for your feedback. Now that the rivet is almost pushed out from the link, the link should easily separate. On a side note I've wrote a review on a KMC chain recently which you can check out - here Quick Link Initially what we're looking for is the ring below, and technically you can remove the link without using any tools what so ever. You want the pin to be fully pulled out of the link. To learn how to remove a bicycle chain, read on! Locate the master link. This will make it easier to access. Facebook X RSS. Learn why people trust wikiHow. It should come off easily now that the master link is separated.

To keep this optimum performance, removing links when they are broken or worn out is ideal.

Turn the handle counterclockwise to pull the chain tool pin out of the link. Yes No. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Take your bike chain off of your bike. If you do not have a bike stand, lean it against something sturdy, preferably upside down. Related Articles. However, this can make it hard for you to shift into certain gears. We're glad this was helpful. Next, turn the handle on the chain tool clockwise to push the pin into the link. Featured Articles. Replace the top part of the link, then use the chain tool to push the pin back up. When the master link is in position, squeeze the handle on the pliers to close the jaws and push the master link together.