How to Make an ATV Chain Tighter

ATV chains, just like chains on motorcycles or other recreational vehicles, eventually become stretched and loosen. So, it is important to know how to tighten these devices, preventing them from falling off and potentially damaging your equipment. The process is quite simple, and requires only common tools.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Crescent wrench Standard end-wrench set

1. Pull the ATV to an accessible, open location. Shift it into neutral.

2. Loosen the lug bolts on the rear tires of the ATV, only a few turns, using a crescent wrench.

3. Use an end wrench to loosen the securing bolt on the tightening bolts on both sides of the swing arm. Make sure that the securing bolt is extremely loose and spun up most of the tightening bolt.

4. Turn the tightening bolt, lengthening it to tighten the chain. Feel the chain every several turns until it is at the desired tightness. Do not get the chain too tight, as this could damage the chain and the sprockets.

5. Match the tightening bolt on both sides of the swing arm. You can measure how tight the chain is set by the notches on the top of the swing arm block. Then, re-tighten the securing bolts on both sides, holding the tightening bolts to keep them at the same level. Get the securing bolts quite tight.

6. Re-tighten the lug bolts on both tires.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be helpful to have another person help hold an end wrench on the tightening bolts while you readjust the securing bolts.
• Always stay aware of pinch points when working around movable ATV parts.

References

• Motorcycle & ATV Chains