How to shorten a chain on a bicycle: practical recommendations

After a long use of the bicycle without maintenance, the chain often begins to sag. How to shorten the bike chain at home? What is required to determine its correct length? We will look for answers to these and other questions in the material presented.

What factors affect the lengthening of the bicycle chain?

To the wear of the axes, the so-called pins, the bicycle chain leads a number of moments. First, between the structural elements accumulate deposits in the form of an old oil, which adheres to dust and small dirt. In addition, stretching can cause excessive stress on the chain in case of overcoming steep bike rides. Another reason - the end of the life of the chain, the destruction of its elements as a result of shock, corrosion of the metal. To avoid discomfort during the operation of the bike, you need to figure out how to shorten the chain on the bike.

How to determine the optimal length?

Before you figure out whether it is possible to shorten the chain on the bike with your own hands, you need to find out what length it should have for comfortable movement. To understand this issue, it is enough to throw the chain on the largest stars both in the field of the rear and front running gear of the bike. Then you need to open one of the links. In the end, the chain should be pulled as far as possible. To the length obtained, it suffices to add a couple of centimeters so that the chain is not in excessive overvoltage during the ride.

Preparation for dismantling

To make it easier to work with the chain, it is worthwhile to perform its cleaning beforehand. The simplest way is to wipe it with a regular piece of material soaked in kerosene. Also, you can use a special flush, in particular with liquid AB-80 or WD-40.

Instruments

How to shorten the chain on a speed bike or a mountain bike? To separate the links, you can use several tools. First of all, pay attention to the special squeeze. The latter is an uncomplicated device, reminiscent of a hand bed with a rod, which carries out pressure on the axis (pins) of the links. Buy such a tool you can at any point on the sale of sports equipment. Its acquisition will amount to between 500 and 1000 rubles.

If there is no possibility to buy a refuse, in this case it is necessary to use improvised means. We are talking about a hammer and a metal rod, which will serve as a punch for the extraction of link axes. You will also need a pair of nuts that will be placed under the links of the chain.

How to shorten the chain on a bicycle with a squeeze?

To do the job, using a special tool, you need to perform the following sequence of actions:

1. Set the squeeze to a position at which its rod will be centered on the axis of the chain link.
2. Perform rotational movements with the tool until the axis almost completely leaves the link.
3. Disconnect the chain and, if necessary, perform similar operations with its remaining sections.
4. Remove unnecessary links and connect the structure.

Having figured out how to shorten the chain on a bicycle, you need to figure out how to connect it. A narrow half-link must be inserted between the cheeks of a wide one. Then the axis must fully enter the bore of the bushing. Further, it is necessary to estimate the mobility of the links. If it is not sufficient at the junction, the hinge can be developed using pliers.

How to shorten the chain on a bicycle without squeezing?

The absence of a specialized tool designed to disconnect the links of the chain is not a critical issue. As mentioned above, an alternative to the squeeze can serve as a metal pin, a nail, and the like. Also here you need a hammer, with which the axles will be knocked out of the links.

With this approach, the main thing is to be cautious. After inaccurate, too strong impacts can lead to deformation of the plates of the links. To prevent this from happening, the elements of the chain must be placed in advance with the usual nuts.

Those who first resort to shortening the bicycle chain without using a special squeeze, it is recommended to practice beforehand. In this regard, it is worth using the old chain or separate, unnecessary links. Such work requires a certain skill. Therefore, before acting on the serviceable circuit with a hammer and a punch, it is necessary to perform the above actions several times and to evaluate the result of your own work.

Finally

So we found out how to shorten the bicycle chain. Apparently, it's possible to cope with such a task not only with the help of special refuse. To do the work sometimes it is enough to use the improvised means, which will be found in every house.