Snapping chains

[Sh4rkyBloke]

Probably a pretty obvious answer to this.. but here goes anyway. :?:

On my old hybrid (in fact on any previous bike) I've never broken a chain. On my current Spesh Allez Elite I've broken 2 chains so far (had it about 7 months).

The first one I used the chain tool to 'break' to be able to clean the chain properly, when I had 'fixed' it it broke apart on my first ride. Used the chain tool again to put it back together (couple of links shorter as one link had bent a bit). Some time later it snapped again and took out the rear derailleur with it.

I managed to (finally) get the derailleur replaced under warranty (along with the chain) and when I fitted the new one all seemed fine until a couple of weeks ago when it broke again...

Is there some magic way of repaiting/fixing chains? Should I be using one of those little 'long' pins which then need trimming each time? Is the chain tool really only for quick fixes to get you home before you do a 'proper' fix?

 

[Steve Austin]

All modern chains need joining in their own way. I would happily recomend the KMC missing link for everybody.
Perfect for joining and splitting chains

 

[RedBike]

The more you mess with a chain the more likely it is to break. I would just use a split link http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=R0029 (Don't go paying £11 for them though!).

Avoid running the chain at an angle / extreme ratios and be carefull when cleaning a chain. Just get a rag and wipe the dirt off. If you use a chain bath make sure you re-lube it very well after.

 

[Steve Austin]

That powerlock isn't meant to be split again Redbike. its only meant for joining

you want one of these

 

[fossyant]

If it's a Shimano chain, then you'll need the long pin to join, but don't re-join using standard pins. I use KMC's with the quick link - never had a problem.

 

[Mr Pig]

I would happily recomend the KMC missing link for everybody.

Totally agree. You need to get the join bang on with a chain tool, with a missing link it's dead easy.

 

[HLaB]

My summer bike has got a KMC link and my other bike's have SRAM powerlinks, I definitely reccomend some type of quick link.

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

Cheers for the advice people, looks like I'm going for a KMC chain and a Powerlink thingy rather than my current Shimano HG53 (or whatever it is).

 

[HLaB]

I think the SRAM power links fit the Shimano chains.

 

[02GF74]

Is there some magic way of repaiting/fixing chains? Should I be using one of those little 'long' pins which then need trimming each time? Is the chain tool really only for quick fixes to get you home before you do a 'proper' fix?

in the olden days when were were kids with 3 speed bikes, the chains were made differently - modern chains have the pins swaged over - i.e. stamped over which the old chains did not, at least that is how I remember it.

this means that as you push the pin out, it will damage the link when pushed back in, hence the need for the longer shimano breakaway pins.

if you do split a chain and then rejoin it, you should do so at the link - I cannot recall if I ever rejoined a chain with the same special pin, don't think so as my chain comes off once worn.

... having said that, new shimano chains have one link with part installed pin; I find that by using a needle file to put a slight chamfer on the inside of the link helps the pin go in. This was necessary when using the cheap chain breaker tool but not so with Shimano tool but I still do it.

I have not had a chain fail due to that.

Also I am not sure of the part installed pin is stamped, if not, that would explain why it goes in easier.