CHAIN, CHAIN, CHAIN... The chain tool is necessary for freeing up links, installing a new chain, or repairing a broken chain. The parts of the chain are the metal side plates, the "rollers", and the rivets, also called pins. *If you have a frozen link, first try to identify it, clean and lube it, and try to work the link with your fingers. If it is still frozen you may need the tool. Place the frozen link in the tool (you can figure out how it fits!), then turn the tool slowly clockwise until the tool rivet pin touches the chain rivet. Most often only the slightest rivet adjustment is needed to free the link. Be sure not to push the rivet too far as it should extend slighly past the plates on both sides. If you push it too far, you can reverse the chain in the tool to push it back into position. This should free your link! *To install a new chain, use the tool to push the rivet so that it is clear of the rollers, but not pushed out past the plate on the far side. This requires some skill and a delicate touch! Go slowly and just do small incremental turns until the rivet looks close to being free of the roller but not past the far plate. Do not push it all the way out!!! Then simply insert the other part of the chain with just the rollers and no side plates. Then place the chain tool on the other side of the chain and tighten until the rivet sticks out slightly on each side. Feel the link to make sure it will flex properly. If not, you may need to fine tune the rivet placement from side to side. *To repair a broken chain, remove the broken link completely and replace it with a spare (always carry a few spare links). If you do not have a spare link, you can usually remove a link or two with no real problems and reattach to the rest of the chain. As in installing a new chain, use the tool to push the rivet past the rollers but not past the far side plate. Continue turning very carefully, a little bit at a time, until the roller can be pulled free, but with the chain rivet still in the far side plate. Install the new link by turning the chain tool around and driving the rivet through the new roller and side plate. Then use a delicate touch to position the rivet directly even on the side plates. It should stick out slightly from each side plate. NOTE: A Shimano chain may require the use of a NEW RIVET PIN to repair or replace a chain. The old pin is rendered useless once it is moved from the side plate. One time I repaired a Shimano chain 5 times in a 1/2 mile until I realized this. When I got a new chain, I was careful not to get Shimano as you must also carry their spare replacement rivet, which is a problem you don't have to deal with using most other chains. There are many chain tools on the market and The Wrecking Crew has found that some of them don't work because of poor design or poor leverage. This is a must tool to carry, unless you really like to walk your bike or put up with the hassles of a frozen link or broken chain on the trail. |
