4. Turn the screw on the chain tool to start pushing the pin out of the chain (Slideshow image c). Be careful to keep the pin on the chain tool lined up with the pin on the chain; they sometimes like to slip around a bit.
5. Don’t push the pin all the way out! Only push it just far enough so that the chain comes apart (Slideshow image d). You need to leave the last bit of the pin in the chain so you can push it back in later.
6. Okay, now feed the chain back onto your sprockets. It helps a lot if you have a friend who can hold the two ends in position while you reattach them.
7. Now use the chain tool to push the pin back in (Slideshow image e). The trickiest part is to keep the tool lined up with the pin. Note: if you are putting on a new chain here, many new chains come with a special link that makes the first-time installation possible without pushing any pins in.
8. Once the pin is in, the link you just attached will be stiff. Work it back and forth (Slideshow image f), until it loosens enough to bend.
9. Take a look at your hands and feel proud. You have done something real today.
If you were putting on a new chain in the comfort of your home, you’ve now got an old worn out chain to upcycle! Since you know how to remove links and reattach the segments, you can use part of the old chain as a cable to lock your seat onto your bike (Slideshow image g). This is very handy in urban areas. You can also make yourself a bike chain bracelet (Slideshow image h)or an earring. You’ll need a fairly big piercing and a tough ear to get that stud through.
To get in touch with the DIY man himself, contact:
Latest Comments