How to Repair a Bike Chain

There are two major parts of a bike that can be really expensive and detailed when it comes to repairing and/or maintenance. The first are the tires and the second is the bicycle chain. Most people will know naturally how to change a bicycle tire, common sense does have a factor in it, however a bike chain can be a little more difficult and have more steps involved. Below I have listed a step by step guide on how you can repair your bicycle chain. If you follow these easy to do steps, you should have no problem at all!

Step One
Examine your bicycle. Look at the chain and see exactly what is the problem. Often times then not, the bike chain may just simply be replaced. If your chain is exposed to excessive dirt or rain to cause it to rust, then this is a reason to replace the chain. Also a side note and top if the bicycle has been rode on a lot (around 2,500 miles) then this is also a good sign to change the chain.

Step Two
Clean your chain. If your bike chain only has a small amount of dirt or dust on it, you still need to clean it. Wash it with soap and water and then dry completely to prevent rusting.

Step Three
Listen to your chain. If you are hearing a knocking noise coming from the chain while you are riding or just spinning the wheel, then add some lubrication to your bike chain. WD-40 will do the trick perfectly! Spray a fine mist onto the chain and spin the wheels. If the chain still is knocking keep slowly adding the lubricant to the chain until the knocking sound is gone. If more then desired of lubricant does get on the chain, take a lint free rag to wipe the excess amount of lubricant off.

Step Four
If your chain is broken, the best option (for safety reasons) would be to replace it. However, you can repair a broken chain. Depending on how many speeds your bicycle is, you will need to secure and fasten the chain links with the appropriate tools and parts for the make of they bike and chain. Check with a local bike shop for the correct tools for the manufacture of your bike and your bike chain.

Step Five
Remove the broken link(s) with the chain tool you have purchased from the bike shop. The tool you are going to use will help you push out the pin that hold each chain link together. DO NOT push that pin out all the way. If you do so, you will never be able to secure the new chain link in with the old ones. If this does happen, you will have to replace the whole bike chain. Add as many chain links as you need to fill in the empty space and then secure the pins on the links to both sides.

Step Six
Stretch your bike chain out with your hands but pushing out both arms in opposite directions while holding onto the bike chain. This will secure in everything one more time and all you to also see if there is any more loose chain links.

Step Seven
Replace the bike chain and add a small amount of lubricant. You will have new chain links mixed in with old ones and the new links will need a little oil to get caught up with production of use like the older ones.

Step Eight
Spin the wheels to the bike to make sure you have securely placed the chain back onto the bike!

Some quick extra tips for you while doing this is:
1. Invest in a bicycle stand for easier access to your bike while working on it.
2. After the first use of repairing your bike chain, make sure you check all the pins and make sure there is enough lubrication on the chain.