How to remove a chain from a bicycle. Squeezing the chain - what is it and how to use it. How to shorten a chain on a bicycle: practical recommendations
This is one of the main elements of the transmission unit. It transmits torque to the rear wheel from the drive sprocket. This is what makes the bike run. During trips, it clogs, stretches, wears out. It must be periodically removed for cleaning and lubrication. And if it is stretched, then the chain on the bike will need to be replaced.
Removing a bike chain with a lock
On single speed bikes and multi speed bikes, the dismantling process is identical. If the bike has a bike chain with a lock, then it is easy to remove it for cleaning, shortening or replacing. The entire removal process takes only a few minutes.
How to remove a bicycle chain with a lock? To do this, you first need to find a link with a clamp. To do this, you need to carefully examine it from both sides. If it is not very dirty, the key link is found almost immediately. An inscription is embossed on it and a special clip is put on top, which holds the adjacent links. If, upon careful examination, the castle was not found, then you have it solid.
Locks from different manufacturers are slightly different, but the process of removal is similar. It is necessary to close together adjacent axles and remove the clamp. You can pry the lock with a screwdriver or any other pointed object. If you still can’t pry the latch, then you can use special pliers to open the locks. It is important here not to damage the clamp and not to lose it, otherwise it will not work to install the bike chain back.
Lockless is much more difficult to remove. To do this, you will need a special puller - squeezing the chain. You can, of course, remove it without tools. For example, putting the axis on the edge of something solid. Next, using a regular knitting needle, tap the axle (pin) and separate the links. However, you can't connect them that way. To do this, you still need a puller.
To do this, select any link, insert it into the puller, placing it directly opposite the release axle, fix it with a screw. Next, slowly turn the screw, thereby squeezing out the pin. It is important not to extrude the axle completely. Otherwise, it is almost impossible to install it in place later.
If you are installing a new bike chain, the first thing to do is to check if it fits your bike in length and width. If it does not fit in width, then it will not be possible to install it on this bike. But the length is easy to adjust. To do this, it is enough to remove the extra links with the help of a squeeze.
If you have, then for installation it is necessary to fix the rear and front speed switches on the smallest sprockets. After that, thread the chain through the tensioning frame of the derailleur so that the upper roller passes it on the right, and the lower one on the left. Then connect the extreme links, insert the pin. After putting on the chain, insert the axle into the squeeze, fix it with a screw and press in the pin. When properly installed, it should completely line up with the edges of the chain. After that, take it out of the squeeze and break off the end of the axis (if it was).
It is very important after installing the pin in place to check the course of the chain. It should not sag, the pedals should scroll freely. If it walks tight, it does not bend well, then with the help of the same puller, using the second seat, it is necessary to adjust the axis.
If you urgently need to remove the bike chain, but there is no puller, it’s not scary. You can use the old "grandfather" way - to rivet, and then rivet it back.
When removing a solid bike chain again, make sure that you use different links each time, as the process of squeezing loosens them a little.
If you plan often, then it is easier to install a lock on it. So you will greatly facilitate the process of removing and installing it back.
With proper preparation, repairing a bicycle chain on the road is no more difficult than.
What do you need to repair a bicycle chain.
To repair a damaged chain on a bicycle, you only need a chain fitting tool. It is compact and usually included in many. Perhaps such a tool is included in one of your multifunctional tools and you just did not know what it was for!
At home, repairing a bicycle chain can be done with a hammer and pliers, but you won’t take them with you on the road. On a trip, you will have to repair the chain only with the help of a light chain assembly tool.
How does a chain usually break?
More often than not, the chain breaks when you are cranking at full power and at the same time on the front derailleur. Other causes of chain failures are very rare, at best one in a million. You have a chance to meet them only if you ride a bike a lot. For example, once a nail flew out from under my front wheel, which landed right in the chain and hit the sprocket. Who would have thought that this could happen?
How does a bicycle chain work?
The chain links are connected to each other with a steel pin. To remove or install the link, the pin must be removed or hammered in using a chain mounting tool (or hammer). To repair the chain, you simply need to remove the damaged links and connect the ends of the chain to the undamaged links. On bikes with classic derailleurs, the chain is slightly larger than it needs to work, so you can painlessly remove a few links. On and links that can be painlessly removed, most likely will not be. So in this case, you will have to bring a new chain with you, or an old chain from which you can remove the missing links.
Is it even worth repairing a bicycle chain on the road?
It is best not to repair the chain directly on the road. Chain repair is one of the dirtiest jobs. If you are wearing new clothes, then after repairing the chain, you will most likely be able to say goodbye to it. Probably the best solution would be to call a taxi or attach a bicycle to and go home by public transport - come back later in old clothes and calmly repair the chain.
Where to start repairing a bicycle chain.
Suppose you have already changed into old clothes and are ready to get to work. To make it easier for you to inspect the chain, turn the bike over.
Inspect the two broken ends of the chain: one end (or possibly two) is damaged and needs to be replaced. From the damaged end of the chain, you will have to remove two chain links. Why do you need to remove two links, and not one - you probably ask? Since the chain consists of two types of links, if you remove only one link, you will not be able to connect two links of the same type.
At the point where the chain needs to be broken, place it in the groove of the chain fitting tool (see photo). The same procedure for repairing a worn chain.
Disconnecting a chain with or without a chain fitting tool.
To start pushing the pin out of the chain, turn the knob on the chain mounting tool (see photo). Try to align the axle on the chain fitting tool with the pin on the chain (sometimes it slips a little).
Don't push the pin all the way - push it just enough to break the chain (see photo). The remaining length of the pin must be left in the chain so that it can be easily pushed through later.
If you don't have a chain mounting tool, you will have to find a piece of wood and drill a small hole in it. Position the pin to be removed over the drilled hole. Find a small machine screw about the same size as the pin and use it as a stud. Hit it with a hammer to knock the pin out of the chain to the required distance. Hit very carefully so as not to knock him completely out of the chain.
Attaching links.
Before connecting both ends of the chain, put it back on the sprockets. It would be great if a friend could help you hold the two ends of the chain in place while you put them together.
Using the chain tool, insert the pin back into place (see photo). This is the most difficult part of the job, as it is necessary to keep the tool in line with the pin. If you're just installing a new chain, most chains come with a special link (lock) that allows you to remove and install the chain without having to remove the pins.
Adjust the newly installed link.
Once the pin is in place, the attached link will not bend well. Move the link back and forth (see photo) until it bends well so that it can easily pass around the gears.
Look at your hands - now you can feel like a real bike mechanic.
Using an old chain
If you just installed a new chain in the comfort of your own home, then don't throw away the old chain - you can use it as a supplier of spare links! Since you have already learned how to remove and install links, you can use the old chain as a saddle lock. now it is very expensive and an additional one will not hurt him in any way.
In addition, you can independently make a bracelet or earring from the chain. But you have to make a rather large hole in the ear and the ear itself must withstand the weight of such an earring.
On almost all domestic road bikes, the chains are made in such a way that they can be separated. One segment of such a chain has a special lock. And on sports bikes, it will not work to make a chain with a split cell, because this lock will interfere with gear shifting. Recently, however, detachable chains have been made specifically for sports bikes.
The need to remove the chain arises quite often - for example, to replace it or completely clean it. If, after replacing the cassette or the entire system, the number of teeth on them has changed, then in this case the chain will have to be increased (by installing additional ones) or vice versa - shortened (by removing extra links). Under any circumstances, this will have to secure the axis of the chain links. As with everything, there are a few things to keep in mind. If everything is done correctly, then in the future it will be possible to avoid certain problems with the chain. And you can see how to do it correctly from the small instructions below.
The figure shows how to properly remove the chain using a chain squeezer. The sequence of action consists of the following:
You need to select a chain segment
To remove a one-piece chain, we must first press one line out of the sleeve. For this purpose, we need a special tool - squeezing the chain. And to remove the detachable chain, other special tools or devices are not required.
Select the chain segment to be parsed. It is worth noting that during the secondary disassembly of the bike chain, it is preferable to use another segment, since after each operation (disassembly / assembly) the chain link is slightly loosened, reducing its strength.
Given the very design of the squeeze, you need to insert the desired element into the mounting hole
We insert the chain into the release tool, fix it with a screw with a corrugated surface.
(see image - fixing screw shown on the right).
An important detail - Many squeezes have two seats for the chain. In other words, inserting the chain into the squeeze can be done in two ways.
First method: The seat, which is located closer to the fixing screw, is intended for pressing in or pressing out the axle. In particular, you need to refuel there in order to remove or install the chain.
Second method: The other seat is used exclusively for adjusting the position of the axis of the inner part of the hub. If you try to press out the axle when the chain is tucked into this seat, then there is a possibility of damaging the squeeze or the chain.
Just do not forget that after this point of work, you need to use the clamping bolt, otherwise the squeeze can turn into a one-time one.
It is necessary to carefully squeeze the axis towards the reinforcing screw.
You can safely begin to wrap the squeeze screw with the handle, while squeezing the axis inside the fixing screw.
Be more careful that the axle does not have defects during work, because it will have to be pressed again when reassembling the link
If in the future you plan to assemble a link with the same axis, then turn the handle slowly, in order not to squeeze the axis to the end. Otherwise, it will be difficult to re-insert it later. If you do not have experience in disassembling and assembling chains, then it is necessary to periodically remove the chain from the release mechanism and inspect the axle.
The open link itself should look as shown in the image. The chain has been removed.
Keeping the bike chain in perfect condition guarantees an adequate response to the actions of the cyclist from the side of the entire mechanism while driving. When buying a new vehicle, there is no need to buy a new chain separately and install it. However, in the future, you will still need to learn how to remove the chain from the bike for its maintenance or replacement.
When should you change your bike chain?
Significantly increase the life of the entire system responsible for movement, allows good lubrication for the bicycle chain. At the same time, it is necessary to be able to notice the moments when it begins to need maintenance or repair.
Excessive wear on a bicycle chain not only brings constant discomfort while riding, but also causes active deformation of the chainrings. If a worn chain is left unattended for a long time, this is guaranteed to lead to the need to replace a whole set of expensive mechanisms.
In order to assess its condition as objectively as possible, it is necessary to look not at the mileage, but first of all measure the length of all its links. The chain length in normal condition is approximately 305 mm. The reason for its replacement is its stretching to 308 mm or more.
How to deal with chain stretch?
A common problem in the operation of a bicycle chain is its sagging. The reason for the development of this process is the gradual wear of the links. Moreover, it is almost impossible to prevent the wear of individual elements of the chain. You can fix the problem only by removing extra links as you stretch.
In order to perform the necessary actions correctly, you must:
- Decide how to remove the chain from the bike, after disconnecting the rear wheel.
- Disconnect the chain with pliers.
- Determine the number of unnecessary links.
- Remove redundant elements.
- Connect the links, install the chain, check its mobility and performance.
How to remove the chain from the bike for replacement?
When an old chain becomes physically and morally obsolete, not satisfying the conditions of operation for the owner of a bicycle, it must be urgently changed. As a replacement, a chain with the same number of links should be selected. However, its length should be somewhat less.
How to remove the chain from the bike correctly? To do this, you need to use a special tool - squeeze. Having placed the squeeze against any of the rollers, it is necessary to tighten the screw in such a way that this leads to the extrusion of the pin. Next, loosen the tool, and then remove it. In a similar way, with the help of a squeeze, the chain is removed for regular scheduled cleaning.
Quite often, experienced cyclists use special locks for quick maintenance, removal and cleaning of the old chain. The use of this device makes it possible to instantly remove it for replacement. However, some bike owners have a prejudice regarding the effectiveness and reliability of the use of the lock. Indeed, if it is present, the risk of a sudden break in the chain increases. It is not known for certain how often the chains break in the presence of a lock, but without it the mechanism looks more reliable.
How to tension a chain on a bicycle?
Dealing with chain tension on standard road bikes is fairly easy. It is enough to pull it back to the fork. The main thing is to perform such a manipulation carefully so as not to overdo it by performing too tight a tension.
However, both a strong and a loose chain can create some discomfort while riding. So when trying to figure out how to tension a chain on a bike, it's important to stop in time so it's in a medium tension state.
Bicycle chain tensioners
An effective and useful accessory can be a special bicycle chain tensioner, the use of which allows you to maintain the necessary tension while riding. This accessory is mainly used by lovers of extreme, aggressive driving.
Chain tensioners are installed, as a rule, on single-speed bicycle models. Such accessories consist of one or more rollers, a lever and a spring. Tensioners work according to the principle of systematic pulling of the bicycle chain in the required direction, which creates the required tension. Moreover, the presence of a tensioner prevents the chain from falling off the sprocket located on the hub.
Experienced cyclists are advised to always have a few chains in stock. Each of them should be operated with a knurling of no more than 600 km. Then the bike chain is replaced. A new, shorter one is put in its place. As a result, the life of not only all available chains is significantly extended, but also the transmission of a two-wheeled vehicle.
If you ride a bike for many kilometers, then the parts will wear out sooner or later. After a long run, the bike chain will "stretch" and will need to be replaced.
Technically the chain does not stretch, but the pins that connect the links wear out, which increases the length of the chain.
stretched chain accelerates the wear of the cassette and the chainrings on the sprocket, so getting a new chain when the stretch is already noticeable is a good idea. It is recommended to replace the chain every 1000-1500 kilometers. By the way, replacing a chain is much cheaper than replacing cassettes or gear chain rims on an asterisk.
The information on repairing and shortening the chain below will be very helpful.
Bicycle chain parts and necessary tools
Chain wear indicator: A typical chain wear indicator hooks onto a pin in the chain while the other end is inserted between two pins or rollers. The numbers on the tool will show how worn the chain is and whether it is time to change it.
New chain: The type of chain depends on the number of speeds of the bike. So, for example, if the bike is 9-speed, you need to buy a 9-speed chain. More advanced chains include a special coating that will delay the appearance of rust, or they are already made of stainless steel.
Replacing pins or connecting link: New chains come with a new pin or special link called a tie link that connects the 2 ends of the chain together.
If you are repairing an existing chain, you will need to purchase replacement pins or connecting links separately - they must be compatible with the chain speed and brand.
pomace: If you have a chain with standard links, you will need a compatible clutch that will allow you to easily remove the old pin and put in a new one when disconnecting and connecting the chain.
Pliers: If you have a chain that connects to a connecting link, you will need pliers to make it easier to separate and connect the connecting link.
How to check a bicycle chain
To test the chain for significant stretch, use . Hook one end to a roller or pin in the chain. The other end will either come on its own to the drive wheel, or you can fit it in between the two rollers. If it falls out of this gap, then the chain is so stretched that it should be replaced.
The chain wear indicator has numbers showing the amount of wear on the chain. A value between 0.5 and 0.75 indicates that the chain needs to be replaced. A value of 0.75 or higher means that not only should the chain be replaced, but the condition of the cassette and sprockets should also be checked, as stretching the chain could cause significant damage to the cassette and sprockets.
You can check the chain in another way - measure the chain with a ruler or tape measure. On unworn or new chain, 12 full links (measured pin to pin) should equal 12 inches (30.48 cm). If the 12 links are 31 cm long or more, then the chain needs to be replaced.
How to remove a chain from a bike
To remove the chain from the bike, you will need to disconnect (break) it. There are several ways to do this, depending on whether the chain has a connecting link or not. 
Before you begin, move the chain to the smallest sprocket and smallest cog.
It will be even better if you remove the chain from the front drive sprocket or remove the rear wheel from the bike. Both of these methods will take the tension off the chain.
If you have a standard chain without a connecting link: Install the squeezer so that the pin of the squeezer aligns with the pin in the chain. Rotate the squeeze knob so that the pin is pulled out far enough to break the chain. 
If you have a chain with a connecting link: To find a connecting link, look for a link that is markedly different from the others.
This is where you can break the chain.
The connecting link has a pin on one side, inserted into a notch on the other side.
Use pliers, squeeze the connecting link on both sides so that it opens.
How to determine the length of a new chain?
Usually the new chain is too long, so it will have to be shortened by removing the links. There are several ways to do this. The easiest and best way to determine the length of a new chain- attach it to the old chain. Then you just need to shorten it to match the old one (to be sure, you should count the number of links). 
Another variant. Pass the chain through the front derailleur and drape it over the large sprocket in front and over the large cog in the back. Do not run the chain through the rear derailleur yet. Tightly connect the two ends of the chain. If the chain connects and there are still 2 whole links on the overlap (the floor of the link is still left at the end - the place where you connect the chain), the chain length is chosen correctly.
Note: many full-suspension mountain bikes use a scheme that moves the rear axle further away from the bottom bracket while the bike is riding, through the suspension; it is called " chain growth". To accommodate chain growth, you will need to compress the rear suspension hard when using the method above.
Before removing unnecessary links, make sure that the two ends of the chain will connect. The chain can only connect if the outside of the link connects to the inside of the connecting link. Then disconnect the remaining links.
Installing a bicycle chain
It's time to thread the chain through the rear derailleur and connect it. Pay attention and make sure that the chain goes exactly through the drive wheel on the rear derailleur.
Use of pins: If the chain does not have a connecting link, then use a pry to connect the chain to the pin that is already in the new chain.
If you are repairing an old chain, always use a new pin instead of the old one. The new pin must be compatible with the chain, its speed and brand. The new pin must be inserted halfway with a squeeze, then pulled out from the other side with the help of pliers. 
Using connectors: If you are connecting the chain with a connecting link, put one half on each end of the chain, connect the ends of the chain, assemble the connecting link with a tool to put it in place.
It is also possible to connect the connecting link without a tool. Connect it and pull the chain in different directions to block the connecting link as much as possible. Then loosen the derailleur clutch, if equipped, pedal so that the connecting link is on top of the drive chain. Using the brakes, stand firmly on one pedal, the voltage will go to the chain, and it will fall into place.
How to replace a chain on a bicycle - video
