Stiff Link

spasypaddy

I took my chain off for the first time this evening to give it a proper clean rather than using a chain bath. This was easy, filthy fun!

When i put the chain back i on, i ran it around the cogs checking it was working fine i noticed it was jumping, so i spent ages and ages trying to work out what it was and i noticed that the chain wasnt bending properly at one point, so a stiff link was discovered...

the question is, what do i do to rectify the stiff link?

andyrr

Assuming the chain is not heading for renewal then I'd ensure that the pins there are positioned centrally and then try bending gently the link slightly to the side both ways, ie towards the wheel and away from the wheel.

terongi

Al the stiff links I have ever had have been the result of a pin not centrally aligned in the link.

When you removed the chain did you push out a pin to disconnect the chain?

If so then when you reconnected it you may have pushed it too far or not far enough. Often you can see with the naked eye which side is protruding more. Get your cjhain tool and push in the side which is protruding more to get the pin dead central.

If the misalignment is very minimal, then the bending trick suggested by Andy above might work. Try that first.

spasypaddy

ok i shall give it all a go tomorrow, any other ideas?

redddraggon

How did you rejoin the chain? With a proper rejoining pin? Or was it a magic link thing? Or was it just the pin you pushed out?

spasypaddy

it was the pin i pushed out, didnt push it all the way out so i could reuse it. Have i done bad?

andyrr

What type of chain is it (Shimano ? 8, 9, 10speed ?) - I haven't joined a Shimano 10 chain myself, I used a KMC in preference but I think the Shimano 10s are particular about rejoining them.

campagchris

Its just a matter of tweaking it,as you could have pushed it a wee bit too far or not enough.Try sighting it with other links to see if your too far in or out.Your not too far away.
but as already mentioned try the bending first.

Sea_Green_Incorruptible

This happens to me every time I rejoin a chain (doh). Having said that, I've found that it generally seems to work itself out after a good wiggle and a ride or two on the bike...