How to Remove Bike Chain?
Bike riding is always fun. Whether it is to go for your favorite weekend picnic party or to go for that morning meetup, our bikes are the go-to options to reach there. A bike gives you dozens of benefits that other vehicles cannot, both mentally and physically.
For example, it can help you straighten up your backbone and get a better posture for your body. Also, through the narrow lanes where the 4-wheelers often get stuck, a bike helps you pass through seamlessly. This is not that, riding a bike keeps you healthy and fit, both mentally and physically.
The functioning of a bike is quite simple. In simple words, a bike is powered when you push the paddles and then they pull the bike chain. And when the chain is pulled up, it pulls the back wheel, making it rotate. If you see, the bike chain holds a crucial, or the most crucial, role in the proper functioning of the bike. If the chain is damaged or broken, there is no way you can ride your bicycle without getting it toed.
So, what if the chain of your bike actually gets broken or damaged? You will need to replace it. You can get it done simply by going to a bike mechanic. But what if your bike chain got broken and there is no one around to help you? Can you get it fixed?
Yes, you can. In this article, we have mentioned some super amazing and proven ways to remove bike chain. After reading the article thoroughly, you won’t be paying the mechanic extra money anymore!
Ways to Remove Bike Chain
In this article, we have included a total of 3 ways to teach you how to remove bike chain. The method you use will depend on the availability of a chain removal tool and the type of chain your bike has. So, let’s head to the methods!
1. If your bike chain doesn’t have a master link and you do not have a removal tool
This is the most difficult method for removing bike chain out of all the three we would be mentioning today. Many bike chains contain a chain master link that makes the chain removal process easier.
If you aren’t aware of a bike chain master link, it is one of the links of the chain but with a different appearance. The master link has a pin on one of its sides which inserts into a notch on the other side. Once you get the pin removed, the chain is broken seamlessly.
But what if your bike chain doesn’t have a master link and you don’t even have a chain removal tool? Well, the chain removal process will be a bit more complex. But with us, nothing seems difficult. To make the process easier, we have mentioned a few steps below. All you need to do is follow them and you will be done with removing the bike chain in simply no time.
Steps to remove bike chain without a master link and a removal tool
- Clean your bike and the bike chain for a safe removal process. You can use a degreaser oil to clean the bike
- Disengage the brakes and derailleur gears to give the chain more slack.
- Position the bike chain in such a way that it is bridged across two solids.
- Place a punch tool over the rivets in the chain and beat the rivets with a hammer to separate the chain and remove it.
See, this was as easy. Following the aforementioned steps, you can remove the bike chain within an hour or less.
2. If your bike chain has a chain master link
In the second method, you will learn how to remove bike chain if it has a master link. As compared to the first method, this one seems quite easier. Let’s see how you can take off the bike chain containing a master link.
Clean the bike and the bike chain and get it ready for the process. Now remove the master link by twisting it off the needle-nose pliers. Then, press the nubs through to the other side to remove the chain completely. You may also use a hammer to get the chain off properly.
3. Removing the bike chain using the chain removal tool
If you have a chain removal tool, removing the bike chain can seem like a cakewalk to you. The removal tool kit contains a number of tools that makes the removal process super easy.
PRO TIP: Keep changing your bike chain after every ride of 750 to 1000 miles. It will not only keep it healthy but also make the bike faster than ever.
Why Should You Remove Bike Chain?
It is very important to keep changing your bike chain for several reasons. If you keep riding on your bicycle with a single chain, it will get rusty and get extended due to the bad condition. And who knows when it will break. It might lead to a severe accident as well!
But when do you know that it is time to replace the bike chain? Well, there are a few things that indicate that your bike chain needs to be removed now. Such as;
- If your chain is rattling or noisy, it is a good time to replace the chain.
- Or if you are experiencing poor shifting of gears, replacing the chain can be a good idea.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Bike Chain Maintained
In the article, I have mentioned three effective and proven ways of how you can remove bike chain with or without a master link. By following the steps we have mentioned, you can easily replace the chain of your bike and make it safe and healthy again.
But it is much better if you do not need to engage in the bike chain removal process. Keep your bike maintained using the following ways and avoid getting into the chain removal process.
- Use grease or oil and clean your bike at regular intervals.
- Regularly wipe all the excess grime from your chain using a rag to keep it healthy.
- Wipe off excessive lubricant