How To Remove A Bike Chain
Before removing and changing our bike chains, there should be several reasons that will lead us to such a decision. First, when the bike chain is too dirty it may lead to the wearing off of both the chainrings and the cogs, which would signal a need for a bike chain removal and replacement. At the same time, bike mechanics recommend that after we ride our bikes for a distance of between 2,000 to 3,000 miles the bike chain is old enough for removal. Another obvious reason as to why we should remove our bike chain is when the chain is damaged which is yet another great time to learn how to remove a bike chain.
Most home mechanics learn how to remove a bike chain when no mechanic is available, which can easily be done at home using the necessary tools. However, we can remove the bike chain without any tools if no tool is available, though it is a complicated process. There are several ways to remove a bike chain depending on the type of chain that the bike has.
The well-known types of bike chains are the regular link chain, master link chain and the split link chain. If all the links are identical to one another, then that is a regular chain, however, if one of the links on the chain is different from the rest then it implies that the bike chain is either a split or a master link chain.There are 3 specific ways on how to go about it using the recommended tools for the task. Below are the steps to follow for bike chain removal;
How to Remove a Split Link Chain
- Identifying Where The Split Link Is
It is quite easy to locate the split link because it looks different from the rest of the links with a metal plate in the middle of it. This kind of link is used either on a children’s bike or on a beach bike.
- Removing The Metal Plate On The Split Link
Using a needle nose plier, we gently place the jaws of the plier on the left side of the rivet, then by slowly squeezing the jaws of the plier together, we should hear a click which will imply that one metal plate has shifted to the right.
- Detaching The Metal Plate From The Split Chain
Right after we hear the click from the shift of the metal plate, then we now remove the metal plate from the chain. Therefore, we will be able to slide the rivets without strain.
- Removing The Other Metal Plate
Now the other metal plate from the other side will soon come off using our fingers which will split apart the bike chain. Finally, we will slowly lift the bike from the chain which will be fully separated from the bike.
How To Remove A Regular Link Chain
- Picking The Right Tool
Normally, a bike chain has an inner plate, outer plate, rollers and pins. The tool that is needed here is called a chain tool. The tool is made up of a metal pin and has a rotating handle that is used in removing the rivet attached to the chain link. The chain tool has 2 prongs on it which we place on one of the links while making sure that the prongs completely cover the gaps around the link. Here we will use the chain tool to remove the pins from the rollers on the chain.
- How To Move The Chain Tool On The Chain
We will now turn the chain tool clockwise to loosen up the pin on the chain. When the chain is loose enough, we will now carefully remove the rivet which is completely separated from the chain itself. After doing this, we will now turn the chain tool to the other side (counter clockwise) for the chain tool pin to come out of the link that it was inserted into.
- Separating The Chain Tool From The Bike Chain
We will now hold the bike chain with our fingers then slightly twist it for the link on the chain to completely come out. The final step that we will make is to remove the bike chain from the bike since the link has split the bike chain so the chain will easily slide off from the bike. We should keep in mind that the rivet should be stored carefully in case we need to put the bike chain back on the bike.
The whole process should be carefully done for other parts of the chain to remain intact because when other parts get damaged, then we will have to buy a new chain all together.
How to Remove a Master Link Chain
- Identifying The Master Link
We should first identify the master link which is easily done because the link looks different from the rest of the links. This kind of link has metal plates on them and on some bikes, they have arrows on them. They are usually used on our modern and multi-speed bikes.
- Use Of A Master Link Plier
We will place the master link in between the jaws of the master link plier and squeeze the jaws together which will squeeze the master link together. Thereafter, we will remove the jaws of the plier for the master link to come off.
- Separating The Master Link Chain From The Bike
Now it will be easy for the bike chain to slide off the bike because the master link chain is completely separated.
That’s all there really is to it. We hope you found this guide helpful!