How to repair a bicycle chain easily

There is couple of reasons why you would need to repair your bicycle chain.

The main reason for repairing the bicycle chain, would be because the chain is not working properly which could be due to defect, neglect or age, this will make the bicycle not run smoothly. A faulty chain is risky as it may result to injury and in some cases even death, thus to safeguard your safety one has to repair the chain. The task of repairing and assessing a bicycle chain is not a difficult one, if you have the right tools and the right parts.

The things that one requires to undertake this task are a chain tool, bicycle chain lubricant and a lint-free cloth. Once equipped with these items you can follow the following simple instructions for a chain that requires lubrication, or that is broken and can be repaired.

First make an assessment.

This is done in order to assess whether the chain can be repaired or is beyond repair and thus a replacement of the chain is the best option. It is advisable that a bicycle chain be replaced after about 2000-3000 miles of riding. Other indications of replacement would be signs of wear on the bicycle’s cog or chain rings and also excessive dist or rust. If the chain is a little dirty or noisy or if the chain breaks a minor repair would be ok.

Next thing you can do is ride or spin the wheel and listen to the noise or sound emanating from it. Where the noise is excessive and the bicycle chain is not that old, then the chain would only be requiring lubrication.

Lubrication

If chain requires lubrication, then you can purchase a bicycle chain lubricant which is available at a bicycle shop. Once you have the lubricant you can put about 5-7 drips of the lubricant on a section of the chain and turn the rear wheel in order to move the chain round for several revolutions. After doing these, you can wipe off any excess lubricant with the use of the lint-free cloth. You will now be through with lubricating the chain. Lubrication usually solves most of the issues of a working chain.

In case the bicycle chain broke, then there could be a chance that it can be repaired. But the safest thing would be to replace it. In order to repair it you will have to secure the appropriate chain links, which usually vary depending on the bicycle and the manufacturer of the chain. In order to get the right part it’s good to look with a bicycle shop.

Chronology

To repair the broken chain, start by removing the broken links or link from the chain by use of a chain tool. The chain tool can also be purchased at bicycle shops. The use of the chain tool is to push out the pin holding the chain links together. You should never push out the pin completely since it would be quite difficult to attach new links to the portion that had broken.

Fill with the appropriate or right number of links and on either side replace the pins until the links are securely attached. Now you can put the chain in position. Once done you should inspect the chain to ensure each link is snug. It would be advisable to replace the chain if you have any doubts on the chain.

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