Splitting and re-connecting chain - how?

[jamiebae]

I need to change the rear mech so need to split and re-connect the chain. I know I need a chain tool to split it, but how do I then re-connect it up again.

This is on a road bike with a Shimano 8 speed groupset.

Thanks!

[Watchman]

Chain tool to split and reconnect. Just reverse the process.

[shouldbworking]

Powerlinks - there are separate types depending on 7/8/9/10 speed. I think 8 and 9 speed are compatible. Local bike shops or halfords etc will have them. 10 speed ones aren't resuable.

[supersan23]

Exactly what they said ^^^^^^

A little word ov advice don't buy a very cheap chain tool ok you may only use it a few time but normally the cheap ones are more hassle than there worth.

If when you put the chain together the link goes really stiff put ur thumbs on each pin and try too bend it towards you then away from you this should free it up

HTH

Si

[jamiebae]

So can I re-use the pin that comes out, or do I need to buy a new pin? Or are Powerlinks the way to go?

[Engineer1]

I'd go powerlinks, that way you know the join is as designed re-using a pin is possible but i bd to line up right

[TwistingMyMelon]

I'd never re-use the pin, did it once and it jumped out 5 miles later on the long ride I pepped the chain for!!

[yellowjack]

I don't know about your 8-speed, but on the 10-speed Ultegra chains re-use of the pins is NOT A GOOD IDEA. The act of pushing the old pin through the link expands the hole and the old pin won't be secure in the link if you refit it, and that's if you can get it to go through all the plates. Shimano supply re-joining pins for the purpose, they have a 'lead pin' which is chamfered to guide the actual pin through the plates, and which you then snap off with a pliers. You will need a new one every time you split the chain.

I've switched to KMC re-usable chain links. The 10-speed ones are re-usable, but it's recommended to replace them after they've been opened/closed any more than three times. My 8-speed mountain bike chain is taken off after every muddy ride to clean it in a tub of degreaser, so the 'quick link' is a definite advantage. Fit a quick link when you fit a new chain, and also carry a spare one, along with a chain rivet extractor tool, to enable you to carry out 'get-you-home' chain repairs out on the road/trail.

Have a look at this... http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/workshop-don... ...paragraph 4, ('nice pins') shows a photo of the Shimano joining pins

My experience only covers Shimano and KMC chains (these are supplied with a 'quick link' in the packet) so I cannot speak on the subject of SRAM, Campag, etc. chains and joining methods.

[BOR]

I have found it difficult fitting an SRAM 8 speed split-link to a Shimano 8-sp chain.

If you do want to rejoin without using a split link, then I would recomend pushing out BOTH pins of the link you are splitting. This means you only have to push out each pin by 2 or 3mm before the side plate pops off, which makes it easier to rejoin.

[AyBee]

Powerlink or split the rear mech to get the chain out and back in again More than one way to skin a cat

[jamiebae]

Picked up a couple of new pins along with the tool, chain and mech are off one bike, now waiting for some new cables to arrive before I pull the other bike to bits. Thanks for all the help

[trashbat]

Same rule for splitting chains as throwing grenades: never try and put the pin back in.

[BGarside]

trashbat said:

Same rule for splitting chains as throwing grenades: never try and put the pin back in.

Works OK if the chain is not a Shimano chain, else you need a special oversized pin (and drive the old one out completely).

Superlinks / quick-links are way easier...

[donfisher]

Other than it being a nasty grimy fiddly bd of a job I’ve never had any problems down the line with just re-using the pin by pushing it back the other way (only ever been using 7, 8 or 9 speed chains though).
I’d definitely fit a reusable quick link though if you’ve got one to hand. It makes taking the chain off to clean hell of a lot easier once one has been fitted.

[Vladimir]

Powerlinks are superb. I've had three at once holding a chain together!

[anonymous-user]

Do you need to split the chain to install that new rear mech? I didn't when I put in a new derailleur, I just removed the jockey wheel instead.

[AyBee]

Mac. said:

Do you need to split the chain to install that new rear mech? I didn't when I put in a new derailleur, I just removed the jockey wheel instead.

AyBee yesterday said:

split the rear mech to get the chain out and back in again More than one way to skin a cat

[anonymous-user]

Fair enough, I skim read and didn't see that