Tools required to replace a chain
I'm after a list of all of the tools that I'll need to replace the chain on my bikes. As I'm riding a bit more now I want to keep an eye on the chain for stretching.
So, is there a set of recommended tools that will allow me to change the chain from diagnosing a stretched chain through to fitting a new one?
So, is there a set of recommended tools that will allow me to change the chain from diagnosing a stretched chain through to fitting a new one?
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A chain stretch gauge : http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/park-tool-chain-wear-indicator-cc3-2/rp-prod5784?gs=1&gclid=Cj0KEQiAsNyxBRDBuKrMhsbt3vwBEiQAdRgPshwSUjHKcPputgsgml7u9uHUoBEkbEAO5pVj477WWCYaAh5K8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds
A chain splitter is all you'll absolutely need to swap the chain. You'll need to measure your old one and match the new one to it - counting links. The chain splitter will get rid of the excess.
I have this one : http://www.wiggle.co.uk/park-tool-chain-brute-chain-tool/
It's an easier job if the both chains come with a quick link. KMC ones do, the rest I don't know. A tool to open/close this will make life easier.
I have this one : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/360952450058?adgroupid=13585920426&hlpht=true&hlpv=2&rlsatarget=kwd-75951449106&adtype=pla&ff3=1&lpid=122&poi=&ul_noapp=true&limghlpsr=true&ff19=0&device=c&chn=ps&campaignid=207297426&crdt=0&ff12=67&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff14=122&viphx=1&ops=true&ff13=800 -
Times one chain splitter.
Times one set of bare hands.
Some KMC/SRAM quicklinks if your new chain doesn't come with any.
Ref Sheldon brown, Big:Big and not through the RD, plus 1 full link and join.Edinburgh Revolution Curve
http://app.strava.com/athletes/19200480 -
Many thanks guys. I'll buy those and a couple of cheap chains to practise on.0
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It depends what brand of chain you plan to buy.
If KMC or SRAM. You will need a set of quick link pliers to open (and close) the supplied quick link. like these pliers below which do both. Some pliers only open or close.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/bbb-open-link-closing-link-tool-btl77/rp-prod47439
You will also need a chain splitter tool to shorten the chain. KMC and SRAM chains are not designed to be split and re-connected with the pin otherwise they could fail. Only use a quick link. So its best to carry spare quick links with you in case of emergency.
If its Shimano, then all you need is a chain splitter as they dont come with split links, but use a pin instead to connect the chain.
Campagnolo chains are similar to Shimano but they require a special tool for the installation of the pin.
like this http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/showpart.asp?part=CAMPTOOL340000000000
i haven't tried it but lots of people have reported using KMC and SRAM quick links on Shimano and Campagnolo chains as long as it matches the same speed like 9,10,11spd etc
If you are replacing 7,8,9 speed chains it might more economically viable to just ride them into the ground as replacement chains and cassettes are so cheap you wont really be saving any money by changing them early.0 -
Many thanks guys. I'll buy those and a couple of cheap chains to practise on.
Don't practice on a cheap chain, it's pointless, a waste of money.
Wait until the guage you get tells you the chain needs replacing then replace it. You can use the chain breaker tool to shorten the new chain to the length of the old one you take off, then put it on the bike and connect it with a KMC link. (You will need no kmc link tool to put the link on, they just help for taking it off again).
I say it's a waste of money as the first time you actually do it you'll see just how ridiculously easy it is. Note, when you put the new chain on, pedal round with your hand until the kmc link is somewhere at the top of the chain in between chain ring and cassette then put your weight on the bike to stop it moving and press hard down with a foot on on of the pedals. This makes sure the kmc link has 'pulled together'.
Youtube extracting a chain pin if you need to for that bit too, it's very difficult to cöck it up.0 -
Many thanks guys. I'll buy those and a couple of cheap chains to practise on.
Don't practice on a cheap chain, it's pointless, a waste of money.
Wait until the guage you get tells you the chain needs replacing then replace it. You can use the chain breaker tool to shorten the new chain to the length of the old one you take off, then put it on the bike and connect it with a KMC link. (You will need no kmc link tool to put the link on, they just help for taking it off again).
I say it's a waste of money as the first time you actually do it you'll see just how ridiculously easy it is. Note, when you put the new chain on, pedal round with your hand until the kmc link is somewhere at the top of the chain in between chain ring and cassette then put your weight on the bike to stop it moving and press hard down with a foot on on of the pedals. This makes sure the kmc link has 'pulled together'.
Youtube extracting a chain pin if you need to for that bit too, it's very difficult to cöck it up.
Exactly this. Too easy to need practicing.
I still use the tool to put on the quick link though - if only because the one I bought both opens and closes so why not use it. On the road/trails though is a different matter.0 -
Okay, thanks guys. I watched a YouTube video on using the chain splitter tool to shorten a new chain to the correct length, and that seems quite easy to do. However, in the video a new pin was being pushed into a link to join the shortened chain and then the excess in the pin was snapped off using a hole in the chain splitter tool.
Where do these pins come from?0 -
Get a quick link. No need for pins.0
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Shimano still recommend joining their chains using the snap-off pins you describe. It is probably the strongest way to join a chain if done properly, but it is a bit of a faff.
So I use KMC Missing Links on my Shimano chains ...0 -
Do new chains come with pins? If not, are these an item that has to be bought separately?0
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Yes but as suggested, uses a KMC or SRAM quick link.
viewtopic.php?f=40020&t=13038805
For checking chain wear one like this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/park-tool-chain-wear-indicator-cc3-2/rp-prod5784?gs=1&gclid=CPu7kZH1g8kCFUfkwgodXlkM3g&gclsrc=aw.ds0 -
Do new chains come with pins? If not, are these an item that has to be bought separately?
...and as above you can buy and use a KMC link with non KMC chains, and a KMC chain will come with one.0
