Joining a bike chain involves carefully realigning the chain ends in a chain tool, ensuring proper rivet alignment, and pressing the rivet back into place.
While the provided reference only contains short snippets of instruction, the general process of joining a bike chain, assuming the chain has already been sized correctly, is as follows:
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Preparation: Ensure you have a bike chain tool (also called a chain breaker), and that your chain is the correct length for your bike (usually achieved by removing links).
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Positioning the Chain: Place both ends of the chain into the chain tool's slots. Make sure the rivet (chain pin) you're about to work with is aligned with the tool's pin. The ends of the chain should be positioned further from the punch (the part of the chain tool that pushes the pin). Verify that the holes in the chain links are aligned.
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Reinserting the Chain Pin/Rivet:
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With a traditional chain tool: Carefully turn the handle of the chain tool to press the rivet back into the chain link. The key is to not push it too far, or the link will be too tight and won't flex properly. Ideally, the rivet should protrude slightly, similar to the other links.
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With a quick link/master link: Some chains use a special "quick link" or "master link" to join the ends. If yours does, simply connect the two halves of the quick link to the corresponding ends of the chain. You may need to use chain pliers designed for quick links to fully seat the link. These quick links are often directional, so follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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Checking for Stiffness: After joining the chain, check the joined link for stiffness. If it's stiff, gently flex the link from side to side. If the stiffness persists, use the chain tool very carefully to slightly push the pin further through, but only a tiny amount at a time. Overdoing it will weaken the chain.
Important Considerations:
- Chain Compatibility: Ensure your replacement chain (or the connecting link you're using) is compatible with your bike's drivetrain (number of gears).
- Safety: A properly joined chain is crucial for safe riding. If you're not comfortable using a chain tool, consider taking your bike to a professional mechanic.
- One-Time Use Pins: Some chains use pins that are designed for single use only. Be sure to use the correct replacement pin if necessary.
