How to Take Links Out of a Bike Chain
A bike chain is composed of multiple links joined by rivets. The number of links will vary, depending on a bicycle's individual gearing. Briefly, a bike with more gears will require a longer chain (more links) than a bike with fewer gears. A chain that is too long will shift with less than optimum efficiency and may even skip in certain gear combinations. Fortunately, bicycle chains can be modified, so an ideal length can be achieved.
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Instructions
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1
Place the base (or cradle) of the chain tool against the underside of a pair of chain links with the chain tool pin directly facing the chain rivet.
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2
Twist the handle of the chain tool clockwise until the pin contacts the rivet. Continue to twist the handle while making sure that the pin and rivet are perfectly aligned. The rivet will begin emerging from the backside of the chain.
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3
Turn the handle until the pin pops free of the chain. Then turn the handle in the opposite direction to free the chain tool. The chain will fall open.
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4
Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for to remove another rivet. You shouldn't need to remove more than two rivets--once the first rivet is removed, the second rivet removed will be located at the end of the number of links you intend to take out of the chain. Be sure you leave a pair of ends on the chain that can later be rejoined (i.e. one outer and one inner link).
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