3.4 drivetrain

Chain Removal (Pin-Based, No Quick Link)

Chain Removal (Pin-Based, No Quick Link). Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★★☆ moderate
Time ~10 min
Applies to All bikes (older / pin-only chains)

Tools

  • Chain breaker tool

Procedure

  1. Shift to small-small

    as above.

  2. Pick a link to break

    — preferably not the one you'll need to rejoin later.

  3. Mount the chain into the chain tool

    so the tool's drive pin lines up with a chain pin.

  4. Turn the handle

    slowly. The pin pushes out of the link.

  5. Stop just before the pin exits the outer plate

    if you intend to reuse this section — the pin needs to stay engaged in the outer plate to be re-pressed in. If installing a quick link instead, push the pin all the way through.

  6. Separate the chain.

    ---

Procedure #

  1. Shift to small-small as above.
  2. Pick a link to break — preferably not the one you’ll need to rejoin later.
  3. Mount the chain into the chain tool so the tool’s drive pin lines up with a chain pin.
  4. Turn the handle slowly. The pin pushes out of the link.
  5. Stop just before the pin exits the outer plate if you intend to reuse this section — the pin needs to stay engaged in the outer plate to be re-pressed in. If installing a quick link instead, push the pin all the way through.
  6. Separate the chain.