How to Change a Bike Chain

A worn, damaged or rusted bike chain can slip on the sprockets, lead to poor shifting and break during pedaling. Replacing a damaged chain is an inexpensive repair that takes less than 20 minutes and will significantly improve your ride.

Things You'll Need

• Chain breaker tool
• Lightweight oil
• Pliers
• Screwdriver

Instructions

Change A Chain On A Derailleur Bike

1. 

   Purchase a chain breaker tool (rivet extractor) and a new 1/2" x 3/32" chain. Unless you have a tandem bicycle, the chain will be longer than your old chain. For tandems, buy two chains and join them as outlined in the steps below regarding how to join two ends of the same chain.

2. Lay the old chain across the cradle of the chain breaker tool so that the tool's pusher pin lines up with one of the chain rivets. Lubricate that area of the chain with light oil, such as WD-40, if it's rusted.

3. 

   Turn the chain tool's handle clockwise so it engages the rivet. Continue turning the chain tool's handle, dislodging the rivet until the rivet is even with the outside edge of the tool.

4. Unscrew the chain tool and remove it from the chain. Hold the chain in both hands on either side of the link you've pushed the rivet from and flex it inward to break the chain. Note how the chain is routed through the gears and derailleur pulleys before removing it from the bike.

5. Lay the old and new chain side by side. Use the chain tool to cut the new chain to the same length as the old one, as in step 3. You'll have a roller link on one side and a connector linkage on the other side.

6. 

   Thread the new chain around the gears and through the derailleur pulleys. Insert the roller link between the connector plates and press the rivet through the bushing with pliers.

7. Use the chain tool to center the rivet within the connector plates. If the link is stiffer than those around it, flex it inward and outward until it loosens.

Change A Chain On A Single- Or Three-Speed Bike

1. Purchase a chain breaker tool (rivet extractor) and a new 1/2" x 1/8" chain. Unless you have a tandem, the chain will be longer than your old chain. For tandems, buy two chains and join them together.

2. 

   Locate the master link on your old chain. It's slightly thicker than the other links and the outer plates are often a different shape.

3. Use a screwdriver to pry open the retaining clip if the master link has one and push it to one side. Remove it from the link.

4. Press lightly inward on both sides of the chain to relieve the tension on the master link. Remove the outer plate. Push the master link from the two roller links it joins. Remove the chain from the bike.

5. 

   Lay the old and new chain side by side and use the chain tool to cut the new chain to the same length as the old one (see derailleur instructions). You'll have a roller link on both ends of the chain.

6. Thread the new chain around the front and back sprockets. Press the two rivets of the master link through the openings in the bushings of the roller links.

7. Press the master link outer plate into place over the rivets to join the chain. If the new master link has a retaining clip, use pliers to force it over the rivets.

References

• Chain Service And Repair

Resources

• Article About Chain Maintenance By The Late Sheldon Brown