How to Shorten a Bike Chain: 4 Easy Steps
How to shorten a bike chain? Continue reading to find out the answer!
The chain, like other bike components, wears out over time, and the links may flex, lengthening it. If this happens, the sprocket may continue to fall out, causing significant tooth wear.
One way to deal with this is to shorten the chain. Even if you get a replacement, it may be overly long, requiring you to shorten it down.
So, how can you reduce the length of a bike chain? First and foremost, you must decide whether a reduction in the chain is required.
Count and measure 12 links on an old chain from end to end. They should be at least 12 inches long, but they can be as long as 12-1/8 inches. If the measurement appears to be accurate, loosen the rear wheel before tightening the chain by drawing it back.
The only way to tell how long a new chain will last is to put it on the bike.
You can shorten it with or without a chain tool if it’s too long. Continue reading to learn how to shorten a bike chain.
How To Shorten A Bike Chain Using A Chain Tool
How to shorten a bike chain? Let’s dig into this question.
You’ll need the following items:
- Bike storage rack
- A chain-driven tool
- Pair of pliers (a pair)
- A chain cleaner
- Lubricant
1. Clean The Chain
Place the bike on a stand to begin. If you don’t have one, you may easily access the chain by leaning the bike against a wall or turning it upside down.
Clean the chain with isopropyl alcohol or any other high-quality, biodegradable cleaner to remove dust, debris, grease, and lubricants. Locating the master link and working on a clean chain will be simple.
2. Remove The Chain
A darker color or a unique outer plate with protruding pins distinguishes the master link. If the chain doesn’t have a master link, you’ll have to break one of the regular links.
If you find the master link, move it between the front and back gears to make it easier to access. After loosening the link, open it. Depending on the design, you can either bend it using pliers or swivel it to the side so the pin can pop out.
On the side of the chain, look for the brand and model, then go to the manufacturer’s website to learn how to remove the master link.
If there is no master chain, use the chain tool to remove the initial link.
3. Shorten The Bike Chain
Shortening your chain will change the way your bike operates in the future and may jeopardize the chain’s integrity, so proceed with caution.
After deciding how many links you need to remove, use the chain tool to press the pins. It is advisable to delete one link at a time rather than a large number of them all at once. Returning them may weaken the chain, requiring you to make an additional effort.
To complete the process, just align the punching pin with the link pin and rotate the handle clockwise. Remove the link pin from the link but do not remove the link. Come to a halt when it’s clear of the outer plate but still in the link.
Once you’ve removed all of the pins you’ve indicated to remove, remove the surplus chain links to shorten the length.
Related: How to Tighten Bike Chain – Step-by-Step Guide
4. Re-Assemble The Chain
After the chain has been cut to the right size, reconnect the two ends using one of the links or the master link if there was one. With the chain tool, push the pins into the inner and outer plates until you hear a clicking sound.
The chain should then be lubricated to improve its smoothness and durability. The lubricant allows the links (and rollers) to easily spin around the sprockets, allowing for easier gear shifting.
Take a test ride on your bike to confirm that the shortened chain is in good working order.
How To Shorten A Bike Chain Without A Chain Tool
You’ll need the following items:
- Bike stand
- Hammer
- Pair of pliers
- Thin nail
- A chain cleaner
- Lubricant
If you don’t have a chain tool, you can use a hammer, pliers, and a thin nail instead. Cleaning, removing, shortening, and re-assembling all follow a similar pattern.
However, while hammering the pins to separate the inner and outer plates, you’ll use the pliers to grip the thin nail.
To avoid injuring other components, pound the chain against a solid surface.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you would have gotten the answer to the question: How to shorten a bike chain.
Because it’s one of the most basic bike skills, if you’re a committed rider, you’ll need to know how to shorten a bike chain. If you follow the steps above, you’ll find that it’s a quick and painless process that will get your bike back on the road in no time.
