Bicycle Mechanics - topeak multi tool.... What the hell?

Anyone ever use a chain tool like this? i was trying to tighten my sons chain (a kids trek 6 speed mountain bike), and figured out pretty easy how to remove a link.... BUT how in the hell do i use it to put the chain back together? Do i have to have a seperate tool? What is the point of having this in the multi tool if i still have to carry a seperate tool to put it back together???

please re-read instructions.

(that's just the Republican in me talking... :D )

it came with no instructions!!!!

If you did not push the pin completely out of the chain, the chain tool on your "Swiss Army Bike Tool" ;o) will push the pin back in. Before starting, look at how things move and what you want to accomplish. Then proceed slowly. It isn't completely obvious, but it ain't rocket science either.

Here is a link that should help you.

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQchnRe.shtml

Doc

A HAH! DAM! Wish i would have thought of that one!!! of course the pin is already all the way out... So i will pick up the tool to put it back in... but i will kindly thank you one day when i am on the side of the road with a broken chain... and I am careful NOT to push the pin completely out!!!!!!! :crash:

No matter what tool you have, if you push the pin all the way out, it's a bear to get started back in. The end of the pin is square and such a tight fit that it's very hard to get it lined up just right.

If your son's mountain bike has a Shimano chain you may need a special replacement pin anyway.

Those replacement pins are cheap. 8sp is like $5 for three. I have a set of those for my mtb.

Park Tool's chain tool has an internal stop where it'll stop short of pushing the pin completely out of the linkage. Handy feature, and the tool itself (the small version) is small enough for a seat bag.

Use the special (double length) shimano pin on hyperglide chains, pushing the old pin back in will cause a weak link. The special pin has a pointed end, so you can get it started, you snap off the pointed half after it's in. One of these pins might fit your son's chain. Or you might be able to take out one more link if it won't make the chain too short, and don't push it all the way out this time!

I bought one of those Topeak tools when I visited Harris Cyclery, and I carry it in one of my toolkits. It's a pretty ingenious little device, although it does not eliminate the need for separate sturdy tyre levers if your tyres fit tightly on your rims.

I use the SRAM or Wipperman chains. They have an easy link that you can remove and re-install and I've never had problems with them.

I use Sram chains too, much easier than Shimano. The master links are sold separately and might fit this guys son's chain (if he's still listening). The 6sp chain might be to wide to use Sram link.

thanks to all that replied... especialy qmsdc15 / i just took out another link, this time being careful not to push all the way out, and it definately is NOT too short. went together very easily!!! For those who are wondering, it is not a shimano chain, so i think the origional rivet will due... especialy when my son weighs less than 50 pounds!!!