How to Use a Chain Tool


Mountain bikers are usually seen with a chain tool when they travel. This is because it comes handy if a mountain bike’s chain is damaged or broken. Therefore, it is useful to know the basics of using a chain tool. There are three basic parts of a chain – the metal sides, the rollers found between the side plates and the rivets, also called pins that helps hold the plates together in place. The pins also allow the rollers to turn freely as the chain moves around the cogs.

If your chain is broken, look for the broken link and remove it. Use a spare link to replace the broken one. Just reattach the two ends of the chain where you removed the broken chain and ride on a shorter chain until it can be replaced.

  • You will need the chain tool in removing the broken link of a chain. All you need to do is to put the chain on the chain tool, do a counter clockwise turn until the rivet pin of the chain tool reaches the chain rivet.
  • Don’t stop turning until the pin has been pushed out of the roller. When the pin is already at the edge of the roller, it’s time to stop turning. Make sure that the pin will not move further through the outer side plate. After that, do a clockwise turn and back it out of the roller. Set aside the tool, then work the chain very gently from side to side and remove the inner side plates and roller.
  • This time, you can re-route the chain through the bike. The task will be easier if you have a chain retaining tool. If not, have someone to help you to hold the other end of the chain while you route and repair it. When everything is in its place, you’re ready to insert a new link (if available) or simply reattach the links that were beside the broken one.
  • Do the same process of aligning the two ends so that the link with the inner side plates will fit inside the link with the pin and outer side plates. Again, you can choose the chain tool to push the pin inward until it is between the side plates. It is better to learn this process by a video tutorial or a one-on-one coaching. You can also do an actual practice with a chain and chain tool. It will be an easy task repairing a broken chain when you have tried it yourself a few times.

Filed Under: Cars & Vehicles

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About the Author: Vincent Carreno is a cars enthusiast who loves all things about cars and the automotive technology. He is also the chief editor at a local magazine which shares new, exciting and informative articles about troubleshooting car problems.

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