Stuck installing Shimano HG40 chain... which is link pin?

map-08

Hi, my Shimano HG40 chain arrived this morning and I was ready to remove a few links but it says on the instructions "The chain will be damaged if it is cut at a place where it is has been joined with a reinforced connecting pin or end pin."



So, I assume I am to remove the link pin as shown on the diagram. BUT, how do I know which is the 'link pin', they all look the same, unlike the diagram.



Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks, Mat.

cooldad

Try reading the instructions again. It says the opposite of what you wrote.

map-08

Hi thanks for your reply cooldad,

I will edit the post now

Thanks in advance, Mat.

cooldad

Normally it will be slightly dished instead of being lumpy if that makes sense.

map-08

they all look the same, they have a square'ish lump

map-08

next to each pin some have either of the following written... 2 , NARROW or CN-HG40

cooldad

Straight from the factory it is unlikely to have a connecting pin, you just use one to join it after you have cut it.

map-08

it had a black pin that was attached to the link ready to be pushed in to wherever I cut the chain.

But I do not know where to cut the chain as it says it may damage it if I cut it anywhere other than link pin. All pins look the same, it should have come with a crystal ball.

Thanks again for your help, Mat.

paulbox

You cut it wherever you need to, there isn't fixed points. Then link it back together using the special connecting pin.

map-08

ok thanks I will do that then, does the derailleur need to be aiming square to the ground when at right length?

paulbox

Depends what gear you're in.

I always just hold it up against the old one and hope it hasn't stretched too much... :oops:

map-08

Ok thanks that sounds like a good idea, been looking on youtube and everyone seems to use different methods. Your method sounds easiest and almost fail safe
Thanks again, Mat.

jayson

You should buy a SRAM split link and put that on the chain, you can then split and rejoin the chain to your hearts content, they're only a couple quid too so theres no reason not to really.

1mancity2

map-08 wrote:

ok thanks I will do that then, does the derailleur need to be aiming square to the ground when at right length?

Put the chain on Big ring front, Big ring rear without going through the rear mech.

supersonic

And add one or two links. As in the FAQ.

cooldad

Around the big/big, leaving out the mech and add 2 links.
As I pointed out before you have read the instructions wrong - it says you could damage the chain if you cut it on a link pin.
Not anywhere else.

map-08

Thanks for the advice everyone , i just cheated and cut it same size as the old one, not ideal but i needed it on quick. Thanks again, mat.