When shortening a new chains length to suit your bike correctly or shortening a chain in order to repair it, either way you’ll need to use a Chain Tool to split the links. We’ve broken down the process below to clear up this often overlooked tool.
1. Select the link you need to shorten the chain at and rest the chain in the tools chain cradle farthest from the driving pin. (Image 1)
2. Tighten the handle, making sure the tool-pin aligns properly with the chain-pin.
3. If you want to push the pin out completely then drive the pin through the chain and out of the farthest side plate of the chain.
4. If you intend to re-use the same pin to re-join the chain, make sure that the pin is not pushed all of the way through the outer plate of the chain.
5. Back out the chain tool pin and lift chain out of the cradle.
Image 1
6. Bend the chain sideways slightly to separate the links. If you have removed the pin you will not need to bend the chain as it will come apart naturally. (Image 2)
Image 2
7. If you intend on rejoining the chain with the same pin, it should look like this when separate. (Image 3)
Image 3
** If you are using a joining link supplied by the manufacturer, please follow their instructions to install and re-join the chain.
8. To use the same pin to rejoin the chain, set the two ends of the chain in the cradle farthest from the tool driving pin as per Image 4. Care needs to be taken that the chain is in the tool straight as otherwise the pin will not guide evenly through the other side of the chain link.
Image 4
9. If the pin does not drive through the outer side plate all the way on the first attempt (Image 5) the pin needs to be pushed further through to be even on both sides.
Image 5
10. Once re-joined, the link should pivot freely. If it does not then you will need to loosen the link by setting the chain in the cradle nearest the tool driving pin and tightening the tool-pin against the chain pin. Turn the handle so that the tool-pin is touching the pin of the tight link. Tighten the handle by 1/8 of a turn then back it away and re-check the tightness of the link. If it is still too tight repeat this step. (Image 6)
Image 6
11. To finish, go through your gears to make sure the gears run smoothly and the chain is neither too tight nor loose.
AUTHOR
Danielle Conwell
Marketing - Torpedo7
