Using Chain tool to break and put back the chain

[Shreedhar Ramachandra]

I need a way to remove my chain for cleaning and there is no magic link that I can easily remove.

Decathlon has this chain tool
http://www.decathlon.in//Tools-CHAIN-CUTTER

Can this be used to break the chain, clean it and then put it back?
Is putting back the chain easy enough? Does this tool suffice to put back the chain and I dont need any more tools?

One person was selling the magic links for 9-speed chain. Can I use this on my 8-speed chain?

Thanks
Shreedhar

[S Chidambaran]

I think each chain link lenght is different. Yoiu'll get a reply from an
expert in this forum.

You can remove the chain using the tool. That is what many do

Chiddu

> --
> biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?
> Visit www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com for more details

[George Joseph]

Not an "expert" but have broken and re- joined plenty of chains. Never
noticed or heard of a difference in link lengths.

Can't see how there could be diffs since the link has to fit in
between the teeths of the chainring and rear cogs ;-)

George Joseph
IN Cell: 9483501169
NA Cell: 847-859-9591

-sent from my iPhone 4S

[Shreedhar Ramachandra]

I thought the difference between the different speed chains is the width of the chain and not the length of each link. Is my understanding right?

[George Joseph]

This tool is all you need. Worst case you hold the tool handle in a pair of pliers for leverage. 

Putting the chain back together is pretty easy. The trick is to push the pin into one of the plates that make up a link. Once it holds by itself, you use the tool to push the pin all the way through to the other plate making up the other side of the link. 

Any chain tool will work with any speed chain. From 6 to 8 to 10 all that changes is the width of the chain. This means the pin holding the link together will get shorter as you get higher. BUT the width of the pin or the cross section does not - which is why the tool works always. 

For more details try you tubing "breaking a chain". 

Good luck. 

George Joseph

IN Cell: 9483501169

NA Cell: 847-859-9591

-sent from my iPhone 4S

--

[George Joseph]

Yup - see my other reply. 

George Joseph

IN Cell: 9483501169

NA Cell: 847-859-9591

-sent from my iPhone 4S

[BikeyVenky]

Each chain link length is typically, 1/2 inch and is usually the same for all the chains. The difference however would be the width(thickness) of the links among different speed chains. For example, the 10 speed chain link would be slightly narrower than an eight speed chain link since it needs to work with narrower clearances of a 10 speed cassette.

I think, you should be able to use the 9 speed magic link on an 8 speed chain as the internal width is (3/32 in = 2.38mm) same in both cases and the external width difference is minimal.

As far as using the chain tool to remove and put the chain back, you can very well do it on your chain.

Some chains that come with the power link, like my SRAM PC 870 P-Link Bicycle Chain that I use on my Fixed gear bike, however, have grooves on the links that get damaged once you use a chain tool on them. So, putting the chain back together is a PITA and is not very confidence inducing.

[Shreedhar Ramachandra]

So, you would recommend me adding the magic link (is it the same as power link that you mention?) so that I dont have to use the chain tool the next time I need to remove the chain.

[George Joseph]

If you have a power link why do you need a chain break tool?

It can once loosened up enough & be done by hand?

George Joseph

IN Cell: 9483501169

NA Cell: 847-859-9591

-sent from my iPhone 4S

[Shreedhar Ramachandra]

I dont have  a powerlink.
I was considering breaking my chain and installing a powerlink on it so that I can easily remove the chain next time.

[George Joseph]

As an FYI I have the link on my chain and while I can take it apart I tend use pliers to squeeze the link together. 

I would go with whatever is cheaper. Both are equally easy to do. 

George Joseph

IN Cell: 9483501169

NA Cell: 847-859-9591

-sent from my iPhone 4S

[BikeyVenky]

Yes, you should not need a chain break tool if you have a power link. The chain was so dirty that I could not find the power link. I was in a hurry and decided to use the chain tool instead. That resulted in the new gyan. :)

Power link is not easy to remove by hand, btw. It needs a special tool to remove it. Or you would at least need something like tweezers to press from both sides of the p-link to remove it.

[George Joseph]

Like I said, the quick link is not as easy as working say the quick release on your wheels or seat post. 

I was actually asking the question to Venky. 

George Joseph

IN Cell: 9483501169

NA Cell: 847-859-9591

-sent from my iPhone 4S

[Arvind Ganesh]

I don't have experience in the matter but AFAIK, the chain tool can be used to remove a link but reusing that same link again is not recommended. So, in an emergency, if you break a link for example, you use the chain tool to remove the link and then you replace it with a "Missing Link" or similar product. 

For regular cleaning, you are better off installing a "Missing Link" first and then using that to remove and put back your chain. After some use, the removable links can be hard to remove. You will need this tool http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-Master-Link-Plier/dp/B0071X1R7E

KMC 9-speed links usually do not work on a 8-speed chain. Having the model number handy will help you check.

For not much more than the cost of that Decathlon tool, you can get an 8-speed SRAM Powerlink chain, which includes a removable link.

Cheers, 

Arvind

[George Joseph]

Ok. Mine can be done by hand but I guess I'm not strong enough. It doesn't come with any tools.

I use a pair pliers to squeeze the 2 adjacent links together which force the "magic" link to pop open.

George Joseph

IC: 9483501169

NC: 847-859-9591

-Sent from my iPad 2

[George Joseph]

Not reusing a link is just marketing hype... Think about it once you break a chain to end of the link are suspect... So according to the recommendation you might as well throw the whole chain away.  

The link plate are not going to be bent or have a much larger hole suddenly. The pin is not going to be much smaller in diameter or bent in anyway. So all the parts are still fine.

Keep In mind chains can handle a lot more force than we can deliver. In fact most chains don't snap but stretch due to the link plates elongating over time.

I've reused the link and the pins no problem. I just make sure the pin is lined up flush with both plates of the link when I rejoins the chain.

George Joseph

IC: 9483501169

NC: 847-859-9591

-Sent from my iPad 2

[Vasu]

Why does anyone have to remove chain to clean it? 

Get petrol. Get toothbrush. Get ear buds - 5 of them. Chain cleaning done. Why do you want to get into removing chain to clean?

*this is extreme chain cleaning. If you only wipe the rollers and lube it, then wipe off the excess lube you are done. And this method cleans the chain very well - even if you have a dura ace chain.

V

[Arvind Ganesh]

Thanks George, good to know. I suspected that it may be fine, but hadn't heard from anyone who was in the habit :)

-Arvind

[deepakvrao]

You get a missing link removal pliers. Simple stuff but a bit
expensive.

Alternatively, you can put one jaw of a square pliers on each opposing
link and it works well.

On Apr 5, 10:08 am, George Joseph <gjosep...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Like I said, the quick link is not as easy as working say the quick release
> on your wheels or seat post.
>
> I was actually asking the question to Venky.
>
> George Joseph
> IN Cell: 9483501169
> NA Cell: 847-859-9591
>
> -sent from my iPhone 4S
>
> On 05-Apr-2012, at 10:31 AM, Shreedhar Ramachandra <
>

> shreedharramachan...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I dont have  a powerlink.
> I was considering breaking my chain and installing a powerlink on it so
> that I can easily remove the chain next time.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 5, 2012 at 10:29 AM, George Joseph <gjosep...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > If you have a power link why do you need a chain break tool?
>
> > It can once loosened up enough & be done by hand?
>
> > George Joseph
> > IN Cell: 9483501169
> > NA Cell: 847-859-9591
>
> > -sent from my iPhone 4S
>

> >> > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comfor more details

>
> > On Thursday, April 5, 2012 9:58:27 AM UTC+5:30, Chidambaran S( Chiddu)
> > wrote:
>
> >> I think each chain link lenght is different. Yoiu'll get a reply from an
> >> expert in this forum.
>
> >> You can remove the chain using the tool. That is what many do
>
> >> Chiddu
>
> >> On Thursday 05 April 2012 09:48 AM, Shreedhar Ramachandra wrote:
> >> > I need a way to remove my chain for cleaning and there is no magic
> >> > link that I can easily remove.
>
> >> > Decathlon has this chain tool
> >> >http://www.decathlon.in//Tools-CHAIN-CUTTER
>
> >> > Can this be used to break the chain, clean it and then put it back?
> >> > Is putting back the chain easy enough? Does this tool suffice to put
> >> > back the chain and I dont need any more tools?
>
> >> > One person was selling the magic links for 9-speed chain. Can I use
> >> > this on my 8-speed chain?
>
> >> > Thanks
> >> > Shreedhar
> >> > --
> >> > biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> >> > are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

> >> > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comfor more details

[George Joseph]

+100000000000000000000000000

George Joseph

IN Cell: 9483501169

NA Cell: 847-859-9591

-sent from my iPhone 4S

[Rohan Kini]

Well, its not just marketing hype :) 

On average - Folks tend to have fat thumbs while working with tools.

And they typically donot have the patience to really understand the intricacies of what is happening down there.

Something as simple as a chain break - if you push too much the pip will pop out and its a PITA to put it back in again.

If you do manage to NOT pop it out while breaking the chain you got to ensure its put back in correctly - if you dont its very easy to break the chain at that point.

Have seen it happen and done it myself whilst in a hurry to get to a trail head.

When stuff like this happens - folks typically just blame someone else (chain companies for example. Maybe the weather too).

Hence advisable to not break a chain while cleaning it.

Like Vasu mentioned - just keep the damn chain clean on the bike. Simple weekly procedure will save you a lot of time, save your bike shop a headache when you wheel in your greasy bike for a overhaul and components will last a lot longer and the bike will ride a lot better :)

~ROhan

[deepakvrao]

I am now down to cleaning my chain every 1.5-2K km or so. I use a wet
lube [even in dry weather] and it gets really black and mucky. There
is no way I can clean it on the bike.

Taking it off the bike with a removable link is faster and more
important, MUCH less messy than cleaning on the bike.

Having said that, everyone will have individual preferences I guess.

Maybe time to try dy lube again.

On Apr 5, 3:01 pm, Rohan Kini <rohan.k...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Well, its not just marketing hype :)
>
> On average - Folks tend to have fat thumbs while working with tools.
> And they typically donot have the patience to really understand
> the intricacies of what is happening down there.
>
> Something as simple as a chain break - if you push too much the pip will
> pop out and its a PITA to put it back in again.
> If you do manage to NOT pop it out while breaking the chain you got to
> ensure its put back in correctly - if you dont its very easy to break the
> chain at that point.
>
> Have seen it happen and done it myself whilst in a hurry to get to a trail
> head.
>

> When stuff like this happens - folks typically just blame someone else (*chain
> companies for example. Maybe the weather too*).

>
> Hence advisable to not break a chain while cleaning it.
>
> Like Vasu mentioned - just keep the damn chain clean on the bike. Simple
> weekly procedure will save you a lot of time, save your bike shop a
> headache when you wheel in your greasy bike for a overhaul and components
> will last a lot longer and the bike will ride a lot better :)
>
> ~ROhan
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 5, 2012 at 12:37 PM, Arvind Ganesh <arvi...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Thanks George, good to know. I suspected that it may be fine, but hadn't
> > heard from anyone who was in the habit :)
> > -Arvind
>

> > On Thu, Apr 5, 2012 at 10:59 AM, George Joseph <gjosep...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> >> Not reusing a link is just marketing hype... Think about it once you
> >> break a chain to end of the link are suspect... So according to the
> >> recommendation you might as well throw the whole chain away.
>
> >> The link plate are not going to be bent or have a much larger hole
> >> suddenly. The pin is not going to be much smaller in diameter or bent in
> >> anyway. So all the parts are still fine.
>
> >> Keep In mind chains can handle a lot more force than we can deliver. In
> >> fact most chains don't snap but stretch due to the link plates elongating
> >> over time.
>
> >> I've reused the link and the pins no problem. I just make sure the pin is
> >> lined up flush with both plates of the link when I rejoins the chain.
>
> >> George Joseph
> >> IC: 9483501169
> >> NC: 847-859-9591
> >> -Sent from my iPad 2
>

> >>>>http://www.decathlon.in//**Tools-CHAIN-CUTTER<http://www.decathlon.in//Tools-CHAIN-CUTTER>

>
> >>>> Can this be used to break the chain, clean it and then put it back?
> >>>> Is putting back the chain easy enough? Does this tool suffice to put
> >>>> back the chain and I dont need any more tools?
>
> >>>> One person was selling the magic links for 9-speed chain. Can I use
> >>>> this on my 8-speed chain?
>
> >>>> Thanks
> >>>> Shreedhar
> >>>> --
> >>>> biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> >>>> are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

> >>>> Visit www.**bangalorebicyclechampionships.**com<http://www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com>for more details

>
> >>> --
> >>> biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>

> >>> are you a part of the bicycle racing scene? Visit www.**
> >>> bangalorebicyclechampionships.**com<http://www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com>for more details

>
> >>  --
> >> biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> >> are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

> >> Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comfor more details

[NFL-Newfoundlove]

Hey Sreedhar,

My 2 cents on this chain break and re-joining.. The breaking is the
easiest. I found it really really hard to put the link back together
as the link pin has to be perfectly aligned and even a slightest
shudder can cause the pin to fall off. It took me about 40 mins to
align it and to an extent that I had my mom helping me with the chain
giving it the slack needed so I could place the pin vertical to the
earth's surface and then tighten using the tool. The easiest is to get
the quick release link like KMC which is a big boon :-) and I'm yet to
source one :-)


On Apr 5, 9:18 am, Shreedhar Ramachandra

<shreedharramachan...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I need a way to remove my chain for cleaning and there is no magic link
> that I can easily remove.
>

> Decathlon has this chain toolhttp://www.decathlon.in//Tools-CHAIN-CUTTER

[Ram]

I recently removed and opened the chain using this BTwin chain cutter. Unfortunately, I jumped down to the task without looking at any "HowTo" stuff on the net.

Quoting http://bicycletutor.com/chain-tool/:
"The tricky part here is to push the chain pin far enough so that it is gets about halfway through the first of the two outer chain plates. If the chain pin gets pushed all the way out of the chain there is really no way to get it back in, and you’ll be forced to shorten or replace your chain."

Well guess what? I pushed the pin all the way out. And it took me multiple trials over 2 days to get it back in. Please take care!

[Vasu]

Wet lube - wet weather - rain bike.

 

Dry lube - fair weather - good bike.

 

In case of only one bike:

 

Wet lube - wet weather

Dry lube - dry weather

 

Wet lube - dry weather = greasy hands, clothes, floor, rags, toothbrush, smell of petrol , big time p i t a.

 

I clean chain the way surgeons scrub hands before an operation and I do a fantastic job of it while the chain is 'on' the bike.

 

Oh, btw, chain cleaning is therapy.

V

--

biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
 
are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

Visit www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com for more details

[deepakvrao]

Therapy?

Bike maintenance of any type is enough to drive me nuts.

Therapy is buying a NEW bike. LOL

On Apr 5, 6:48 pm, Vasu <mr.b.mis...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Wet lube - wet weather - rain bike.
>
> Dry lube - fair weather - good bike.
>
> In case of only one bike:
>
> Wet lube - wet weather
> Dry lube - dry weather
>
> Wet lube - dry weather = greasy hands, clothes, floor, rags, toothbrush,
> smell of petrol , big time p i t a.
>
> I clean chain the way surgeons scrub hands before an operation and I do a
> fantastic job of it while the chain is 'on' the bike.
>
> Oh, btw, chain cleaning is therapy.
>
> V
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 5, 2012 at 18:15, Ram <ramachandran.eswa...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > I recently removed and opened the chain using this BTwin chain cutter.
> > Unfortunately, I jumped down to the task without looking at any "HowTo"
> > stuff on the net.
>

> > Quotinghttp://bicycletutor.com/chain-tool/:
> > "The tricky part here is to push the chain pin far enough so that it is
> > gets about halfway through the first of the two outer chain plates. If the
> > chain pin gets pushed all the way out of the chain there is really no way
> > to get it back in, and you’ll be forced to shorten or replace your chain."
>
> > Well guess what? I pushed the pin all the way out. And it took me multiple
> > trials over 2 days to get it back in. Please take care!
>
> > On Thursday, April 5, 2012 9:48:14 AM UTC+5:30, Shreedhar wrote:
>
> >> I need a way to remove my chain for cleaning and there is no magic link
> >> that I can easily remove.
>
> >> Decathlon has this chain tool

> >>http://www.decathlon.in//**Tools-CHAIN-CUTTER<http://www.decathlon.in//Tools-CHAIN-CUTTER>

[Vasu]

Bike on a stand...

Good tools around...

Nice apron...

Good music in the background..

Comp with YouTUBE on it (just in case shit happens)...

A bottle of chilled beer on a side table...
Working on bike is indeed therapy

V

[Georg Leuzinger]

vasu,

well said , you hit the nail on t he head, or lets say here you pressed out the pin just enough toe easily open and rejoin  the chain again in a few minutes only .

Doc,  how about clamping your  baby on the workshop stand and deliver a perfect servicing ! I love a new bike too, but inbetween its good to put the money down to buy  a suitable bike stand, on its own stand or wall or table mounted!

how about that!

Georg

[Kishan Kumar]

Therapy indeed. I figured out what I was missing all this time - the BEER!

Sent from my iPhone

[Chidambaran Subramanian]

I figured that its the beer that was contributing 98% of the therapy
part of this whole exercise :)

[Kavera]

A 9 Speed KMC Missing Link CANNOT be installed on a 8 Speed KMC chain.
Learnt the hard way, after breaking the chain :( . With no time and
inclination to push the pin back, stranded with a 'chainless' bike,
propelled by gravity & pushing the legs.

I should've known what was the "6.6 mm" in a 9 Speed 6.6 mm link.
10 Speed KMC Missing Link Pin length 5.88 mm
9 Speed 6.6 mm
7/8 Speed 7.1 mm KMC Z8 Chains

[the chain, cassette, link in question here are of a MTB]

Which Missing Link v/s Your KMC Chain type:
http://www.kmcchain.eu/?en/products/connectors/missing_links/


Ppl, do not confuse KMC Missing Link, with SRAM power link.
KMC Link is a breeze to remove.


Extreme chain cleaning: with an ultrasonic cleaner, the likes used in
jewellery & watch works :)
Just to know, anyone here ever installed a 9 speed KMC Missing Link on
a 8 speed KMC chain?

Cheers!
Kaveriappa

On Apr 7, 11:19 am, Chidambaran Subramanian <chi...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I figured that its the beer that was contributing 98% of the therapy
> part of this whole exercise :)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Apr 7, 2012 at 10:41 AM, Kishan Kumar <kishan.kumar...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Therapy indeed. I figured out what I was missing all this time - the BEER!
>
> > Sent from my iPhone
>

> > On Apr 5, 2012, at 20:16, Vasu <mr.b.mis...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Bike on a stand...
> > Good tools around...
> > Nice apron...
> > Good music in the background..
> > Comp with YouTUBE on it (just in case shit happens)...
> > A bottle of chilled beer on a side table...
> > Working on bike is indeed therapy
>
> > V

> >> > > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformore details

[Shreedhar Ramachandra]

I was insisting that we try the experiment of putting the 9 speed link on 8speed chain and we failed miserably and the bike that became chainless was mine :(
Unnecessarily I wasted Kaveriappa's time and mine too.
Later that day I went to a Local bicycle shop and got a new link fitted on my KMC chain which had one link broken. I was not comfortable with that but had no chioce to keep my bike running. Later in the evening I went o Pedals and wheels and asked for the missing link.
Now, even with those missing links you have two kinds, re-usable and non-reusable.
The non-re-usable ones have a locking mechanism, and to lock you need that special plier. I didnt know about this till today I read about it using the link that Kaveriappa sent out.
I figured that the link that the Pedals and Wheels guy gave me a non-reusable one and I was looking for a re-usable one. So I'm going to return it to him.

Is any store in Bangalore (or individual who wants to sell) having the KMC re-usable missing link for 8 speed KMC chain Z72 with 7.1mm pin length?

[Shreedhar Ramachandra]

The exact spare I'm looking for is this one.
http://www.amazon.com/KMC-MISSING-Bicycle-8-Speed-6-Pack/dp/B000AO7LGM/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_text_b
Does anyone have this product for sale in Bangalore?
If no, I'll plan to get this through someone coming from the US.

[Vasu]

I think it is cheaper to just replace the chain than spend $$ buying it from US.

[Shreedhar Ramachandra]

New chain costs 650-700.
I get 6 links for $10, which itself is cheaper.
I can retain 2 and sell the rest. If someone buys, I profit :)

[Vasu]

Shipping cost on the 6 links?