Get the Right Tool to Fix Stiff Links in a Bicycle Chain
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- čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
- With the right bicycle chain tool it’s easy to fix common stiff, tight links that can cause skipping when pedaling. Here’s the right type of chain tool and how to use it. Note that it won't work on badly rusted chains. #jimlangley #bicycleaficionado #fixingstifflink
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Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
0:08 - About stiff, tight chain links
0:13 - Stiff, tight link problems
0:40 - About master, quick links
1:05 - Types of chains that may have stiff, tight links
1:27 - Using a chain tool to join a chain
1:37 - Park Tool CT-5 Chain Tool
1:54 - How the stiff, tight chain link is created
4:16 - How to spot the tight, stiff link in the chain
6:08 - Fixing a stiff, tight link with a chain tool
7:05 - The right chain tool to fix stiff, tight links
7:32 - How to free the stiff, tight link with the chain tool
9:41 - Get a 2 position chain tool to fix stiff links
10:00 - Fixing chains on rides with a chain tool
10:53 - Fixing stiff, tight links without a chain tool
11:30 - Closing comments
☼ Park Tool CT-5 Chain Tool
amzn.to/3AcyXXc
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11:15 I did that side flexing before and thought of it during the video, glad it was addressed too, I was doubting that method too, but sometimes it helps (to flex chain sideways a bit).
Thank Jim, I really enjoy your videos. I rarely have to do this anymore as the chain makers all recommend using their master links for joining chains. As a bike mechanic in the 80s (prior to super thin chains) we used a pin tool that worked kind of like a lever operated cork remover (geared as opposed to threaded) to press the pin in and out and used the "rock the chain sideways" method to loosen the stiff link. Worked every time. Keep the videos coming! They are clearly among the best on the web.
Thanks for watching and the compliments, Randall, really appreciate it - happy to hear you're enjoying the videos! I always liked those pliers type chain tools, too, and still use my Gian Robert once in a while. But I know a lot of people broke the pins too frequently, which is probably why they went out of favor. Thanks again!!
Great video! I haven't done this for years as I've been using master links for about 20y now. Everyone should carry a chain tool and maybe a couple of spare master links.
Thanks for watching, Ben. I'm a huge fan of master links and chain tools on rides, too.
oh so thats what the double seat on my chain tool is for ,good info it did cross my mind why that was there , but i have reversed tool to push pins opposite direction always do to centre pin ,another tip if you bust a chain and have to rejoin onto next link dont push pin alway the out on the next rejoin link makes it so easy to push pin back in
Thanks for watching and the comment and tip, theresnobody. I'm glad you found it helpful. And, yes, I mention in the video that you always want to leave the pin sticking out of the sideplate a little bit but it's good for people to have your reminder. Thanks!
Quick links can usually do the job more reliably. With the advent of narrow chains with flush rivets, rejoining them with a tool can go wrong. You'd have to carry a variety of quick links though. Built 5 wheels in 12 months with help from your videos. My wheel problems have gone to zero.
Thanks for watching, David. Yes, that's an excellent point that quick links are easier but if you don't have one or already put together a chain pressing in a pin and ended up with a stiff link, this video explains the right tool and how to fix the stiff link. Congrats on building 5 wheels that are working so well; I'm really happy my wheel videos helped you, thanks a lot for letting me know and great job!
Nicely produced, Jim, with solid information. Am replacing the sprocket on a Nexus 7 and will probably have to add a link to the chain. This comes as a handy refresher, since I forgot what the front guide on the Park tool was for. Great timing and some terrific music!
I'm happy to hear I helped you out with your repair, Peter and that you enjoyed my brother's playing. Thanks a lot for watching and the great comment!
Great educational video Jim, with good footage and explanations for each step of the way.
Hey, thanks a lot Locks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate you watching and commenting!
Great video and music! Thanks!
Thanks so much for watching and the great comment, glad you enjoyed the video!❤️🙏
Hi Jim, thanks for sharing this video on a skill which is sadly becoming less known. I exclusively use 8 speed cassettes or 7speed freewheels on my bikes due to having snapped several chains at the master link while riding. 6/7/8 speeds are more than enough for me (I only race to the pub), these components are well priced, function well enough and are very durable. This leads me to my question: how many times can you break and reconnect such a chain using this type of tool before it becomes risky to ride? I take the chain off frequently for cleaning and waxing (I use 3 chains in rotation). Thanks in advance, Carlos.
You're very welcome, Carlos. Thank you for watching and commenting. I think a lot of us are using slightly older equipment these days because it still works just fine. Regarding how many times you can remove and reinstall the same chain, you should be able to do it for the lifetime of the chain since you're using chains with pretty robust sideplates and as long as you push the pin in and out carefully. The thing that causes problems as you probably already know is if the pin hits the sideplate and the sideplate is a little out of position. If you force the pin into the sideplate and it can't go straight into the hole, it can bend the sideplate or damage it slightly. You don't want to damage the sideplate in any way when removing and installing the chain. As long as you can avoid that, you should be fine. If you did damage it you'd want to remove the bad link and replace with the same size in good condition. I hope this helps. Thanks again!
@@JimLangley1 Great news for me 😎. Thanks for your quick reply!
@@KarlosEPM you're very welcome!
Excellent video, best I found on the topic. My new chain has several stiff links. Serves me right for buying cheap I suppose.
Thanks for watching, Ted. Happy to hear my video is helpful. Hopefully it'll help you fix those tight links in that chain. Let me know if you need more ideas to fix it.
@@JimLangley1 Thanks Jim. There were about 7 stiff links but I seem to have sorted them all now. (through bending) I presume that as the chain wears in, they will be unlikely to return.
@@60sfanatic wow, that's a lot especially in a new chain. With any luck you should be okay. Be sure to keep the chain lubricated - not too much, just enough to lube the links. Wipe off any excess after the lube has been on there overnight. Good job!
0:21 when cutting a new chain, is it OK to have the chain that long (as the deraileur position in the video) ?
It looks like deraileur is almost fully retracted and not putting much tension on the chain. Is that OK ? Thanks.
Thanks for watching and the comments Adrian! The chain in the video is the right length for the bike, it's not too long. A too long chain will have noticeable slack in it and it might even rub on the bottom of the pulley or cage. When you install a chain it's easiest if you drape it over the bottom bracket of the frame and don't put it on the chainring yet. That way you'll have slack in the chain making it easy to attach its ends. If you wrap it around the chainring, you'll have to pull on the chain to get the ends to meet because the rear derailleur is pulling it the other way. And this means that the rear derailleur is usually fully retracted when you install a chain and then when you put the chain onto the chainring, the derailleur changes its position under tension. Now to size a new chain, the best way is to count the links in the old chain and size the new one to match. That assumes the old chain was the correct length. Okay? I hope this is helpful and thanks again!
Great content thanks, but that background music was doing my head in.
Thanks for watching and the feedback, Mark, appreciate it.
@@JimLangley1 No worries Jim as a result of this video I have just ordered the Park tool mini chain tool.
@@markwood9755 that's great to hear. I think you'll appreciate having it, Mark.
As they say, Jim... every days a School day!
Ha, ha.. exactly, Graham! Thanks for watching and the great comment!
What’s that second tool clad ?
Thanks for watching, Juggling. The tool I show in the video to fix stiff chain links is Park Tool's CT-5 Chain Tool
amzn.to/3AcyXXc Is that the tool you were asking about?
i need this chain fixing tool, please suggest where to procure it from ?
also share your contact no.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Yugaguroo! Here’s a link to the chain tool: amzn.to/3K2zUXk You will find my email address on my CZcams channel page on the About tab. Thanks again.