How to Fix a Bike Chain in 5 Easy Steps (2023)

(Last updated on March 6th, 2023)

Mechanical machines are always susceptible to breaking, no matter how advanced the technology gets.

A common issue that many cyclists find is their chain breaking. Compared to other parts on the bike, such as cables, many things can go wrong with a chain. 

In this article, I will tell you about common chain issues and how to fix your chain.

Bike Chain from the top 1
Bike Chain from the top. Robbie Ferri

Why Might Your Bike Chain Need Fixing?

You might need a new chain on your bike for many reasons. Here were going to be speaking about them;

Chain Stretch

You likely have a stretched chain if your bike pedals start slipping while riding. A stretched chain is when a chain is so worn that the links are not properly spaced and cannot connect to the cassette properly. There’s only one fix for this: a new chain.

Chain Break

When a chain breaks on a bike, you soon know about it. Your pedals lose tension quickly, and there’s a strong possibility you will be struggling to control the bike. 

The first thing you need to consider is why it broke. Sometimes it can be fixed with a quick link, and other times you require a new chain. 

Rusted Chain

Chains do rust, and that’s not a rare thing to happen. 

If the rust goes too far into the links, it’s beyond repair. In cases like this, you must remove the chain and swap it out. 

Incorrectly Installed Chain

Finally, the last issue you might find is that your chain could have been incorrectly installed. This could cause it to be too long or short. 

This is really common because there’s a trick to getting the correct chain length. In this case, you will need to cut the chain further or replace it. If you have a chain guide many people forget to run through them. 

Bike Chainset up close
Bike Chainset up close. Robbie Ferri

Considerations to Make When Changing a Chain

Before you change a chain, there are a few questions that you must ask to ensure the job goes as smoothly as it can. Here’s what you need to ask yourself;

Is This the Right Chain?

The first and most easy mistake to make is getting the wrong chain. Although some brands, such as the mountain bikes king SRAM and the hybrid bike guru Shimano, can interchange on some models, this isn’t the case with all brands. 

Make sure you have the right chain, or it just won’t work and could damage other components on your bike. 

Does the Cassette Need Some Changing?

If you have an excessively worn cassette or have had multiple chains on one cassette, you might need to change the cassette too. You can put a new chain on, making it even worse. 

Inspect the teeth on the cassette and ensure there are no shark tooth-shaped teeth.

Is Your Chain Actually Worn?

Many cyclists find their bikes running improperly or making a funny noise and instantly assume the chain is the issue. 

An easy way to tell is to use a chain checker. 

Once you slot this tool into the chain, it measures the amount of stretch to ensure it needs changing. If not, the issue could be elsewhere.

Here’s where you can find a chain checker. 

Bike Chain up close
Bike Chain up close. Robbie Ferri

How to Fix Your Chain

In this article, I will speak about fully replacing a chain. Using a quick link to fix a broken chain typically means the chain is beyond repair anyway and will only get you home anyway. 

Step One: Get Prepared

Before you start, you will need a clear space where you cannot get hurt or break anything. 

Here are the tools you’re going to need;

  • Bike Stand 
  • Chain Breaker
  • Link Tool 
  • Degreaser
  • A new chain
  • Gloves

If you need specialist chain tools, I recommend grabbing a set quickly. 

Get your bike in the stand and have all your tools in a safe place where they are easy to get to. Put your gloves on so your hands stay clean and you protect yourself from rust and dirt. 

I recommend allowing around 30 minutes if this is the first time chaining a chain. 

Step Two: Remove the Old Chain

Now it’s time for you to remove the old chain. You can do this in two ways, either using the link tool and removing the master link or the chain breaker if it hasn’t got a master link. 

Many chains don’t have master links. Hence, I have listed both tools. 

Before you start, I recommend taking a picture and remembering how the chain runs through the bike. 

If you use the master link, clip the link, and the chain will fall out. If you are using the chain breaker, you must select a link, put it into the bracket and screw it out the other side. 

Once the chain breaker is screwed in, the link will pop out. Then when the chain breaker is removed, the chain will fall apart. 

You are not going to need this chain anymore, so go ahead and throw it in the bin. 

Step Three: Clean the System

Now it’s time to clean the system. I do this because, without a chain, you can ensure you get all the dirt off the other components. Using the degreaser, spray, scrub, then rinse off the excess muck.

If you need to change the cassette, do this now, as you can drop the wheel out easily without the chain on. 

You can practice perfecting the skill of removing and installing a cassette. Once all is clean, dry it off and ensure everything is back where it needs to be. 

Bike Chain with the link being removed
Bike Chain with the link being removed. Robbie Ferri

Step Four: Install the New Chain

It’s time to unbox the new chain. Make sure when you do this. You don’t lose the master link, which typically sits in the box lose or separate from the chain. We now need to measure the chain.

Many people will say to use the old chain and line them up against each other, but I don’t recommend this. Chains stretch over time, so lining them up next to each other can risk you adding extra links you don’t need.

The best way to do it is to get your derailleurs into the rear and front little rings. From there, you need to run the chain through so each end sits at the bottom, hanging freely. Pull the ends together tighter until they cross and the rear derailleur gets tension. 

Here you need to eliminate any extra links that cross in between and one more. 

Release the tension and use the chain breaker to take these links out, then click them back together with the master link inside using the link tool. 

Step Five: Test It

Now with the bike still in the stand, spin the wheel and run through the gears ensuring they go in fine. The chain should not get in any gear or lose tension at no point. 

If it does, check the chain length is correct and that you haven’t left it too long. Providing that’s all fine, take the bike out on the road and give it a good ride if the chain works, then excellent. 

Bike Chain up close 1
Bike Chain up close. Robbie Ferri

Conclusion

Chaining the chain on a bike is a job you will need to do often as a cyclist. It’s easy to do once you know how and can save yourself a lot of hassle. 

Many people take their bikes to a shop, wait a week, and get overcharged on the chain when they can do it themselves easily. Thanks for reading; if there’s anything you think we need to add, please pop it in the comments below. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reattach a bike chain?

The best way to reattach a bike chain if it has fallen off is to put it back on the cassette, pick the bike up and turn the pedal till it engages. 

Is a bike chain easy to fix?

Fixing a bike chain is very easy once you know how. You will need to do it often, so it’s good to learn. 

Can a broken bike chain be Fixed?

If the chain is that worn, it broke in the first place; you are best off replacing it if you are stuck, though, you can put another master link in.

How much does it cost to fix a bike chain?

Chains typically cost between $10 and $50. The tools to fix a bike chain are generally around $16. 

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