How to Fix a Broken Bicycle Chain

Anyone who's had a broken bicycle chain knows how frustrating it can be to go through the trouble of having to get it fixed. However, it doesn't have to be a frustrating experience. Fixing a broken bicycle chain is not difficult at all. Just like learning to change your own tire, learning to fix a bicycle chain can save you time and money.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Purchase a bicycle chain tool. A bicycle chain tool is a useful tool to have since you can fix your bicycle chain and any other type of chain as well.

2. Position the bicycle chain across the slotted jaws of the chain tool so the chain pins align with the slots on the tool.

3. Screw the pin extractor until it aligns with the bicycle chain pin. Turn the handle of the bicycle chain tool until the pin begins to come out and then stop. Do not push the pin all of the way out, or it will be very difficult to put it back in.

4. Push the pin out of your bike chain by screwing the pin of your chain tool in before your bike chain pin comes all of the way out.

5. Snap the pieces of the bicycle chain a part.

6. Place the bike chain links back together with the pin facing you. You should hear a snapping sound as you place the links back together. Hold the bike pin facing you and use the chain tool to push the pin back into both of the links until it is even on both sides of the chain.

7. Loosen up the new connection by grabbing the chain on both sides of the newly connected links. Flex the chain by bending it with your hands until you can work it loosely.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep any old chains or any of the links you remove from a chain. They may come in handy for a later fix since there are many types of chains made to fit certain blocks.
• Go slow and remember that the pin is only as wide as the chain.
• Always stop if you see that a bicycle chain pin hangs outside of the plate opposite of bike mandrel.

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