After using the bicycle for a long time without maintenance, the chain often begins to sag. How to shorten the bike chain at home? What is required to determine its correct length? We will deal with the search for answers to these and other questions in the material presented.
What factors affect the lengthening of the bicycle chain?
A number of points lead to the wear of the axles, the so-called pins, of the bicycle chain. Firstly, deposits in the form of old oil accumulate between the structural elements, on which dust and small impurities adhere. In addition, stretching can cause excessive load on the chain in the event of overcoming steep climbs on a bicycle. Another reason is the end of the life of the chain, the destruction of its elements as a result of impacts, metal corrosion. To avoid discomfort during the operation of the bike, you need to figure out
how to shorten the chain on the bike.How to determine the optimal length?
Before you figure out whether it is possible to shorten the chain on a bicycle with your own hands, you need to find out how long it should have for comfortable movement. To understand this issue, it is enough to throw the chain on the largest stars both in the region of the rear and front chassis of the bike. Next, you need to open one of the links. Finally, tighten the chain as much as possible. It is enough to add a couple of centimeters to the obtained length so that the chain is not in excessive overvoltage during the ride.
Dismantling preparation
To make it easier to work with the chain, you should first clean it. The simplest way is to wipe it with a regular piece of material soaked in kerosene. You can also use a special wash, in particular AB-80 or WD-40.
Instruments
How to shorten the chain on a speed bike or mountain bike? You can use several tools to disconnect the links. First of all, pay attention to a special squeeze. The latter is a simple device resembling a hand bed with a rod, which exerts pressure on the axis (pins) of the links. You can buy such a tool at any point selling sports equipment. Its acquisition will cost from 500 to 1000 rubles.
If it is not possible to buy a squeeze, then you will have to use the means at hand. We are talking about a hammer and a metal bar, which will serve as a punch to extract the axes of the links. You will also need a pair of nuts that will fit into the chain links.
How to shorten the chain on a bicycle with squeezing?
To do the work, resorting to the operation of a special tool, you need to perform the following sequence of actions:
- Set the squeeze to a position where its core will be centered on the axis of the chain link.
- Perform rotational movements with the tool until the axis almost completely leaves the link.
- Separate the chain and, if necessary, carry out similar operations with its remaining sections.
- Remove unnecessary links and connect the structure.
Having figured out how to shorten the chain on a bicycle, you need to figure out how to connect it. A narrow half-link must be inserted between the cheeks of the wide. Then the axis should fully enter the bore of the sleeve. Next, you need to evaluate the mobility of the links. If it is insufficient at the junction, the hinge can be developed using pliers.
How to shorten the chain on a bicycle without squeezing?
The absence of a specialized tool designed to disconnect chain links is not critical. As mentioned above, an alternative to squeezing can serve as a metal pin, nail, etc. Also, a hammer is required here, with the help of which the axes will be knocked out of the links.
With this approach to business, the main thing is to be careful. After all, sloppy, too strong impacts can lead to deformation of the link plates. To prevent this from happening, ordinary nuts must be placed in advance under the chain elements.
Those who first resort to shortening the bicycle chain without using special squeezing are recommended to pre-train. For these purposes, it is worth using the old chain or separate, unnecessary links. Such work requires some skill. Therefore, before acting on a working chain with a hammer and punch, you need to perform the above steps several times and evaluate the result of your own work.
Finally
So we found out how to shorten the bike chain. As you can see, you can cope with this task not only with the help of special squeezing. To do the work, sometimes it’s enough to use the tools available in every house.