Flipping a chain over - Does it matter?
 

Just wondering... I was putting my chain back on after breaking it and I noticed that I was putting it on so it ran the opposite way it did previously. Does this matter?

In other words when I pushed the pin out to disassemble it, it was on the left side but when reassembled it happened to be on the right side.

it doesn't matter. it will not have any affect on wear either

As long as it isn't a unidirectional or asymmetrical chain it doesn't make any difference either way.

Some chains have different inner and outer plates, others have plates cut with a inside (sprocket side), and an outside. But I assume that if you had one of these you'd know. (the differences are obvious)

I was going to say exactly what FB is saying, as long the chain is not unidirectional u are ok.

Thanks FBinNY

As an addendum to your question, you mentioned you pushed out a pin to break the chain and it was on the other side when you assembled it so I assume you reused the same pin. That's a mistake If it's a 7/8-speed or newer chain, that's an invitation to chain failure. Modern narrow chains, with their thinner side plates and riveted pins, must not be rejoined using the same pin. Pushing out a pin removes its riveted end and reams the hole in the side plate larger. Reusing that pin leaves a seriously weakened point. You must push a pin completely out of these chains and rejoin them using either a master link or one of the special joining pins Shimano sells for their chains.

Good point. Thanks!