How to Use a Bike Chain Tool

Bicycles are like most any other mode of transportation in that they need maintenance and occasionally parts need to be replaced. A bicycle's chain is no different because they break, stretch and in some cases rust. This article will explain how to change a chain which is applicable for any bike from a kids up to racing bike.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
   Two types of chain tool or chain breaker

   The first thing to do is to secure your bicycle in a stand, either a repair stand to a stand used to park it if you don't have a kick stand. The next step is to get your chain tool, or chain breaker-don't let the name put you off. It is what's used to remove a pin from the chain or to insert a pin.

2. 
   Chain tool with the chain inserted.

   Next, place the chain in between the groves from the right side of the bicycle with the tool's point going away from you. Twist the handle on the end until it's snug. Stop and inspect the chain to insure it is lined up squarely and that the point of the tool is going into the pin straight. This makes a difference, so make sure this is the case.

3. 
   Chain tool pushing a pin out of the bicycle chain. Notice the pin in the groove of the tool.

   Twist the handle until the pin begins to move out the far side of the chain. You should be able to judge based on the amount of pin exposed, how much is left before the pin is completely pushed out. STOP before this is done. You want to leave part of the pin in if you are going to put this chain back on your bicycle. Flex the chain until the pin disengages with the link. You are now free to degrease the chain, remove other links or put a new chain on the bicycle.

4. 
   Chain tool pushing a pin back into the pin.

   The next step to return the chain to the bicycle, if you are putting it back on, is to thread the chain through the chain rings on the front and the dérailleur in the back if you have a bicycle with gears. Next go to the left side of the bike and reverse the process of pushing the pin back into the link. You will need to check it to make sure that it's flush with the outside of the chain and not protruding. Once you are done, you are going to want to move the link to loosen up any stiffness that might have happened putting the pin back in. You also might need to use the tool to help loosen it up. If you don't, the chain will have a stiff spot and ride oddly.

5. If you are installing a new chain, you will have one or two differences. First, the chain will need to be sized to fit your specific bike. This means measuring it by going through the chain rings and through the dérailleur and cassette in the back. The best way to accomplish this is to put the chain on the largest chain ring in the front and the largest gear in the cassette. You might not ride that way, but it will ensure you don't cut the chain too short. Leave an extra link or two in your measurement and then use the tool to remove the extra links you will push the pin all the way out of the link at the point you want to cut it.

6. With a new chain, there is a master pin or a PowerLock in the case of SRAM to bring the chain together The master pin will be longer than you need-more on this in a minute. Push the pin into the chain and ensure it is flush with the opposite side of the link. You will then break the excess off. In the case of SRAM, there are two pieces of chain material that are hooked into the last two chain link pins and then stressed to hold the chain in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the bicycle is steady when you are working on it.
• A new chain comes with the right amount of lubrication on it-don't lube it.
• Use a light Teflon-based lubricant when you do lube the chain.
• Consider buying a tool to check the stretching of the chain.
• It's time to change your chain when its not efficiently moving through the gears and there is some grinding or slipping.
• Don't push the pin of the chain completely out unless you are going to remove and not use that chain again.
• Measure a new chain carefully and leave it a little long. Otherwise it will not work as well.
• Don't lube a new chain.

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