How To Fix A Chain On A Bike?

Having a problem with the chain on your bike is a problem that every biker will experience. It is more of a rite of passage for cyclists that they will experience at some stage. A bike chain is made from steel which is a collection of links, pins, and rollers. How to fix a chain on a bike?

The first step is to examine the chain and derailleurs and cassette to see if there is any damage. Then turn the bike upside down. If it is the case there is something stuck in the chain, derailleurs, or cassette. Remove it and then slip the chain back onto the derailleur and the cassette. Now, if the chain is broken then there is a little more work.

In this post, we will go through how to fix a chain on a bike. Let’s get started!

Read more on common questions asked

How Does A Bike Chain Work?

The function of a bike chain is that the chain transfers power from the pedals to the wheels of a bicycle, thus creating forward movement. Each chain link is held together by a steel pin. Using a chain tool will remove and place the pins in or out of the chain.

The spacing from link to link fits precisely with the teeth on the sprockets, this is what creates the forward movement when pedaling.

How Do Chains Break?

It is rare but bike chains do break. There is a number of reasons that it might break. These are as follows.

  • Poor maintenance and not lubing the chain.
  • Poor chain alignment.
  • Not shifting between gears.
  • Pedaling full force at the same moment that you are shifting your front derailleur.
  • Not changing the chain and sprockets when they are worn.

Is It Easy To Fix A Bike Chain?

Repairing or replacing the bike chain is not a common thing to do so unless you are biking a lot. The chain does break but is rare, fixing the chain is not too difficult as long as you have a chain tool. It does take a little practice.

Unless you do a lot of mountain biking, it isn’t often that you’ll need to repair or change your bike chain. However, chains do break now and then, and being able to fix one on the street is no harder than fixing a flat tire if you are prepared. To fix a broken chain, the main thing is you need a chain tool.

Tools And Materials Required

There are a couple of tools and materials needed to repair or replace the chain These are as follows.

How To Fix A Chain On A Bike?

Fixing the bike chain is not that difficult but it is important to have a chain tool. Without the chain tool, it will be very hard to fix the chain. When out biking you should bring a chain tool with you.

There is a number of steps to fixing the chain. Let’s get started on fixing the bike chain.

  • Bring The Necessary Tools.
  • Examine The Chain.
  • If The Chain Broke.
  • Reattach Chain Links.
  • Putting The Chain Onto The Bike.

Bring The Necessary Tools

It is important to have a chain tool, especially if out riding. Without the chain tool, it will be very hard to fix the chain. There are multi-tool options but the chain tool is easier to use. You do not even need pliers and a hammer to fix your bike.



Examine The Chain

The first step is to examine the chain, you can start by flipping your bike upside down or if possible you can use a bike stand. You need to check for any damage to the chain or if there is anything stuck that might cause the chain to slip off. This includes checking the derailleurs and cassette.

If it is the case there is something stuck in the chain, derailleurs, or cassette. Remove it and then slip the chain back onto the derailleur and the cassette. Now, if the chain is broken then there is a little more work.

If The Chain Broke

If the chain has broken. You will need to take a look at the broken ends. More than likely one end will need to be removed because of the damage. If that is the case you will need to remove that segment. You can use the chain tool to remove the pins.

Focus is what you need to make the pin on the chain tool align with the chain’s pin. It’s because it is a bit slippery and tricky to handle.

bike chain

Reattach Chain Links

When you reattach the two ends if possible you can ask your friend to hold them in position. The chain tool will make it easier in pulling the pins back in. It might be the trickiest section to make the instrument align with the skewer.

Once the chain ends are attached. The link will be stiff and needs to be loosened. Do this by working it back and forth until it loosens enough to bend it around the gears.

Putting The Chain Onto The Bike

If you are happy will the chain you can now attach it back onto the bike. Now lastly test that the chain is ready by ensuring you can only move it about half an inch in either direction.

Wrapping Up

Finally, the first step is to examine the chain and derailleurs, and cassette to see if there is any damage. Then turn the bike upside down. If it is the case there is something stuck in the chain, derailleurs, or cassette. Remove it and then slip the chain back onto the derailleur and the cassette. Now, if the chain is broken then there is a little more work.

If it is a case that you are not sure about fixing the bike chain you can visit your local bike shop and they would be more than happy to help.

And that’s it for now! I’d love it if this post on how to fix a chain on a bike was helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.

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Fix A Chain On A Bike