how do you fix a broken bike chain with simple tools?

M.B. · 10-09-2007, 11:21 PM

I just bought a used bike and it came with a new greased chain. The problem is that the chain is not connected in one spot and it is a little too long. This bike has a single sprocket where the pedals are and three sprockets at the rear wheel(I dont know the exact terms but I have fixed bikes successfully in the past). Also how do you make the chain shorter and at which gear do you place it on? Any help is greatly apreciated!!

darrin b · 10-09-2007, 11:22 PM

sounds like your derailer is missing (the gear shift thing). to shorten the chain you need a punch set, a hammer, a brick or something else solid, and a pair of pliers. figure out how short you need the chain, set the link you want to remove over the hole in the brick, put the punch against the pin holding it together, and hit it with the hammer a couple times. it should come apart. then take the other end of the chain, and pound it together around where you need it.