Bike chain stiff after splitting

[Chris S]

I've just split a bike chain and rejoined it. The link that I did this on is now solid. I've tried splitting and rejoining it but it still won't flex. Am I doing something wrong?

 

[Amanda P]

You're using a chain rivet tool, right?

Besides the slot where you place the chain to push the rivet out and push it back in, there's another slot. Put the chain on that other slot and tighten the rivet-pushing bit up against it half a turn or so. Then turn the tool (or the chain around) and do the same from the other side.

Better now?

 

[HLaB]

Its very delicate to get it right and you need to balance up the pin from the otherside as Phil describes above but you'd have been better of with a KMC chain with quicklink which takes all the hassle out of it

 

[betty swollocks]

Grab the chain sideways on with thumbs either side of the stiff link and gently flex it to and fro.

 

[accountantpete]

The process of rejoining pinches the two sides too close so they bind on the inner section - they just need pulling apart very very slightly.

I use a Park tool which has two rows in which to rest the chain.

One row is slightly thicker and the chain should not quite sink all the way down on the wider fitting - so I simply tap the chain down with a wooden mallet and this widens the link so that it is at a correct width to permit easy movement.

 

[Chris S]

Thanks. I tried putting the chain in the other slot but it's side bent and then broke when I tried to straighten it out (don't by Asda chaintools, they're rubbish)

I eventually mananged to get the rivet in equally and there was enough flexibility in the link for me to bend it until the chain was usable, like Betty Swollocks said.

 

[Tim Hall]

Glad you got it sorted. For a good quality, small enough to carry around chain tool, I'd recommend Park Tools CT-5.