Numpty question about chain repairs

Fuzzyboy

I've never repaired a chain.. or taken one apart for that matter, so go easy on me.

I want to be able to repair a chain when I'm out and about, should the need arise. However, because I have no experience of this, I don't know if I just need a generic chain tool, or something more specific. I have a KMC 'Z' chain (I think!!).

I have a great repair manual, so I'm not after advise on how to actually do the repair, I just don't know if a general chain tool will be suitable for my chain. The KMC website just confused me more. Also, should I do a practise run at home, or is this a bad idea?

Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks!

JasonRwmb

The best thing is to carry a chain tool with you, and a SRAM power link. That way if you snap a chain while riding it is quick and easy to sort it out. You will need the chain tool to remove the broken bit of chain, some chains (Shimano, not sure about KMC) need a special pin to rejoin, but the power link works in their place.

Lots of multi tools have chain tools, in my experience they are variable quality, fully metal ones are ok, but the plastic ones will break. Park do a really nice small chain tool. All the standard chain tools will fit your chain fine.

Chain tools are easy to use , but it is well worth testing it out at home first. See if you can get yourself a spare piece of chain to practise on.

Splasher

As Jason says Powerlink Powerlink Powerlink Powerlink

Fuzzyboy

Brilliant! Many thanks!

rrsodl

Actually, you need 2 SRAM power links as they work in pears.

If your chain breaks while you are riding you would need a chain tool to remove the broken link / links so that you end up with inner plates on both ends, then you can fit the power links.

Rick

Brighty

Defo go for power links, some places sell them singly for about a quid and others in pairs for 2 quid, you need a pair for one chain link. Get yourself 2 pairs, put one in your saddlebag/camelback for trailside repairs, and fit the other one straight away at home, this will give you practice with the chain tool (you'll need to remove 2 pins to give you inner plates at each end) and allow you to easily take your chain on and off for cleaning.

Job's a good'un

Brighty

caw35slr

I carry a Powerlink too (yes, two parts = one Powerlink). I also carry 2 full chain links and some Shimano chain pins. The whole lot weights almost nothing and takes up very little room. More often than not I end up using this stuff on other people's bikes which has two benefits:

1. you end up looking like a hero.
2. your own ride doesn't come unstuck because of soembody else's chain.

The Shimano connector pins are brilliant.They are much easier to fit that a normal chain pin, especially when your hands are cold and everything is covered in muck. In poor conditions I think they may be easier to fit than a Powerlink. Whatever, they both let you re-join a chain easily without wishing you had a 3rd hand.

Powerlink: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... odelID=871
Pins: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... odelID=186

You do need tools to use this stuff, namely a chain tool and something to break the pins (small pliers or something like a Leatherman Crunch). Even if you have a Powerlink you will need a chain tool to get the old pin out of a chain that has broken, to remove a knackered link or to straighten a sticking/bent link.

Make sure you get pins and/or Powerlinks compatible with your chain. This is all very easy but do practice at home, some chain devices on multi-tools are hopeless and you discover that your kit isn't up to the job on the trail.

Splasher

RRSODL wrote:

Actually, you need 2 SRAM power links as they work in pears.

Can't see the relevance of a soft summer fruit in connection with repairing a chain

A powerlink is both halves

Brighty

Some shops e.g wiggle sell them singly though, as in 1 half, you need to order 2 to get a whole power link.

By the way, chainreaction have the 8 and 9 speed ones for £4 for 3 pairs bargain.

Brighty

Splasher

Brighty wrote:

Some shops e.g wiggle sell them singly though, as in 1 half, you need to order 2 to get a whole power link.
Brighty

Yeah, but they call it a "spare connecting pin" not a Powerlink and state that you need 2 to make a link.

JasonRwmb

I find the cheapest way to buy them is from my LBS, normally a quid for the pair. Or if I am buying a few bits they will throw them in for free.

I tape mine onto my chain tool, just so I always have them with me when riding. I am surprised nobody has come out with a multi tool with a little compartment for power links.