To save you the expense of going to a repair shop, you can learn how to repair bike chains yourself at little or no cost. Repairing bike chains is easy and takes just a few minutes. Before you know it, you will be cruising off into the sunset on your bike.
To repair bike chains, you will need:
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Rags
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Paper towels
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Lubricating oil
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Spray lubricant
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A toothbrush
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Bike chain links
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A chain tool
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The first step you want to take to repair your bike chains is determining what needs to be fixed. Bike chains that are dirty, stretched or have broken links can cause a variety of problems. A dirty chain can cause the bike to lose much-needed lubrication. Stretched bike chains may cause the bike to skip or jump while being used. Broken links on a bike chain will render the bike useless.
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If you have determined the bike chain is not working due to it being dirty, then you need to clean it. This is one of the easiest ways to repair bike chains. Using a rag or paper towels that you have sprayed with lubricant, begin to wipe down your bike chains. It is important to be as thorough as possible. You can even use a toothbrush to ensure that you have removed all the dirt from your bike chains. After cleaning your bike chains, use a lubricating oil to ensure the chains will function properly.
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Bike chains that have been stretched are not easily fixed. The best course of action to repair bike chains that are stretched is to replace them. Replacements can be found at your local sporting goods store or at a bicycle shop.
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To repair bike chains that have broken links, you will need a chain tool. Chain tools are inexpensive and are a good investment if you plan on having your bike for a while. To remove the broken link on the bike chain, locate the rivet closest to it. Use the chain tool to twist the broken link until you are in a position to remove it. Replace the broken link with either a replacement link or by linking the two ends that are disconnected together. Once you have your new link in place, push the pin back into the link until you are comfortable that it is on tightly.
Repairing bike chains takes a little practice, but you can master it in no time. If all else fails, make friends with the guy at the bike repair shop!
