How To Loosen a Stiff Chain Link
Loosen a stiff link by hand, or by using a chain tool.
A stiff chain link can cause problems with your shifting, and can even cause injury if it slips while you’re pedaling. Here’s how to easily diagnose and fix the problem.
Find the Stiff Link
You’ll know you have a stiff link if your chain skips every 3 or 4 rotations. If you have several stiff links you’ll feel it skip even more often. To find the link, shift down to your smallest rear sprocket and then run the chain backwards through the derailer by rotating your crank. Keep a close eye on your chain as it rolls over the lower derailer pulley. When the stiff link passes through you’ll see it jump over the pulley. This means the inner and outer plates of one of your chain links are squished together too tight at the pin.
Loosen by Hand
To fix this by hand, simply work the plates loose by twisting the chain up and down the same way it was meant to. Then point the stiff link upward and firmly grab the closest connecting points on either side. Now twist the chain side to side, the way it was not supposed to bend. If all goes well, your stiff link should now be loosened and you can continue riding.
Loosen with a Chain Tool
If this method doesn’t work, and the link is still stiff, you’ll have to use a chain tool to fix it. Place the stiff link into the chain tool, on the slots closest to the turning handle. Now thread the chain tool’s pin gently against the chain pin about 1/8th of a turn, or just enough to slightly loosen the chain plates. That should loosen it enough.
If you still have problems, the chain may actually be bent and need replacing.
Resources
Repair Guide »
Chain, Drivetrain
Comments RSS
Hi Alex,
I would like to give a word on the use of a bike chain checker. Not only will this tool allow people to check for where on there bike chain but it all so allows them to know before they start to adjust gear settings on there bike.
I know the chain should be replaced at 0.75 % or 1 % but most people don’t know how to check there chain the cost of a chain checker is very low in my country it is from £ 7 pound to £ 20 Pound.
I think every one that rides a bike should have one not only will this save them money in the long run but it all so saves on more expensive parts of the bike needing replacing sooner.
I think a video on how to check a chain would be a excellent way to be a first call if your gear system was not working right Park tools web site cover this tool but on there site it is not very clear how to use one so a total beginner may fine this a bit hard to use. Both videos on parks web site don’t have any sound.
Regards
Anthony Dacko.
United Kingdom