Broke a chain
 

It was dirty as hell and I took it off with a chain tool to soak it in a degreaser (instead of using a chain cleaning tool like I usually do). It's the first time I take a chain off, I want to be able to do my own bike maintenance but I fail sometimes... it is/was on a Tricross, triple 9-speed, it's the original chain.

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...1&d=1208482410

After reading Sheldon Brown's site (god bless him) he said that removing a bushing chain is hard to get back on without damaging the side plate which is exactly what I did. I damaged both sides because well I tried both ways out of desperation :rolleyes:

Several questions: is it possible at all to do this without special tools (except a regular chain tool, or mine sucks)? Now what can I do to save the chain? If I have to put another link I'll get in the same situation no? Can I avoid it? :)

The chain has about 2300km on it, should I just get rid of it and buy something like a SRAM power link http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...1208480315543?
or the PC 99 http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1208482925428 ?

Thanks

Push the bushing pin out only until you can get the link out. The bushing stays with the outer plate. That way you can (very carefully) push it back in. Be fanatical about the alignment of your chain in the chain tool, and make sure, if your chain tool has more than one tooth, you know what each is for.


I ran a SRAM chain with a master link for a while. When it was time to get a new chain and Shimano chains were cheap, I started using the SRAM quick link the Shimano chain with no issues or binding or sticky links. Still use the same link to this day. Sooner or later it will probably break, but it sure makes taking the chain off easier.

Soaking it in degreaser, by the way, in my experience won't do a whole lot. The important parts to get clean will only get clean (between the plates, around the pins) with agitation. I use an ultrasonic bath, either the big one at work or a little jewler's sized one I found... on Amazon I think. With mild degreaser in it. Good luck, maintenance is fun once you get the hang of it. Most of the time.

I gave up on pins long ago and have been using SRAM chains with Powerlinks for over seven years. With a SRAM chain, you'll probably need to shorten the chain with a typical chain tool, then future removal and replacement of the chain is accomplished with only your fingers.

You can buy a single Powerlink and replace one link in your current chain, but make sure the Powerlink fits your current chain. I've never used Powerlinks with other brands of chain, so others will have to provide compatibility experience.

I have to say, I was mildly concerned... well... I at least resolved to keep an eye on the quick link when I put it in my Shimano chain but I've never had a problem with it. Just make sure the link is tight when you use it... obviously can't use a quick link from an 8 speed chain on a 10 speed chain... but other than that, works great. The pin diameter is obviously standardized, since there aren't different chain breakers made for different chain brands.

I guess I'll buy only the link then:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1208519729572

The chain should get at least twice that distance no?

Well I put it in a Sprite bottle and shook the hell out of it :p The green degreaser came out pitch black; I'll look up ultrasonic baths and check it out. As for fun well I certainly like learning and sometimes you need to get your hands dirty and make errors to learn :)

I am always curious when I read comments about what used to be called "master links". This is some of the oldest and most reliable technology around. I am actually surprised that chain tools and the chains that require them still exist. There a lot of industries that I have not been exposed to; but I've never seen any chain applications (other than bikes) that do not employ a master link......amazing. Anybody seen an industrial chain breaker?