How do you put a chain on a bike without buying a tool to do it?
Someone told me that you can take the links out with a centre punch?
My mate took a chain off his bike without taking the links out?
Any advice please? I need to get my bike working ASAP.
2007-10-23 04:55:43 · 6 answers · asked by d4n2005 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
The only way to remove a chain that does not have a master link is to either use a chain tool or to cut it off. A centre punch will just bend the link and then you will be in real trouble!
Fortunately for you the vast majority of good bikes sold in the UK have what is called a "missing link". This is a quality version of the master link. Look closely at the chain and see if you can identify one link that looks different from all the rest.
Since there are several types of these links it is difficult to give you the exact instruction on removing it but it should be quite apparent if you are mechanically inclined.
2007-10-23 05:15:39 · answer #1 · answered by bikeworks 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While you are at the bicycle store buying a SRAM Power Link, you should spend a bit of extra cash buying a chain tool. Personally, I am very partial to the Crank Brothers Multi-Tool with chain tool. I have one in the saddle bag of each of my bikes. Even if your have a Power Link, you nearly always need to push out a link so you can make the chain mate up. It is really difficult to carry a hammer and punch on a bicycle.
A chain tool is pretty inexpensive and is entirely necessary to cut a new chain the the appropriate length. Insofar as a new chain will cost you a minium of $15.00 there is no way I'd want to take a punch and hammer to one.
Hope this helps you.
2007-10-23 14:52:44 · answer #2 · answered by sfr1224 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can buy a chain with a "master link" that will come apart without any tools or hardware. These are becomming more and more popular even on high end bikes.
2007-10-23 12:08:02 · answer #3 · answered by Jay P 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are correct! SRAM makes a chain called "Powerlink". They make 8-9-10 speed chains depending on your bike type. Here's a link:
http://www.pricepoint.com/thumb/3-Parts-381-Chains-False.htm
No chain tool necessary to remove it!
2007-10-23 12:45:25 · answer #4 · answered by Blue_Falcon 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I see no way a punch would work. you might drive the pin out with one, but you would never get it back in, and you would likely ding it up so bad trying it wouldnt work afterward. you have to push it out smooth enough as to not bend or ding up either the pin or link so they will move free after the repair, otherwise your chain will skip and jump.
2007-10-23 12:36:30 · answer #5 · answered by ohiojeff 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
or a tool or ask your friend to help you
2007-10-23 12:03:14 · answer #6 · answered by G-T Rider 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋