Shorten Chain
 

What is the best way to shorten a KMC Z410 1/8 chain?

THANKS

With a chain tool. Andy

This is what I use:
http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/...ho2011/440.jpg

http://www.rei.com/product/544208/pa...act-chain-tool

Since 1/8" chains (usually) come with connector links (master links), shortening is straightforward. Generally you use an inexpensive chain tool which you can find just about anywhere.

If you don't have a chain tool, but do have access to a bench grinder, you can grind the pins flush at both ends of the outer link then push them out with a hammer and punch. You only have to push far enough for the plate to fall free, then the link will fall out the other side of the chain. Replace this link with the connector on your bike and you're good to go.

Be sure to measure carefully, because it's a measure twice, cut once kind of a deal. But if you do mess up, you can resplice the chain with a second connector or a chain tool.

Cut to the same number of links as the old chain, not counting the master on either. You should have an inner link at each end once cut. You can always check by wrapping the chain around the chainwheel and installed wheel with the wheel roughly centered in the dropout slot before cutting. You should have roughly one link space between the two inner plates.

Once cut, install the chain on the bike and snap the master link on. Pull back on the wheel so that it is cantered in the frame with only very slight tension on the chain. Tighten the right nut snug but not all the way tight. Recenter the wheel and tighten the left nut slightly. If a coaster brake, attach the brake arm with the clamp on the stay loose to allow movement. Turn the cranks to find any tight places in the rotation. Always rotate the cranks forward during this process - use your hands rather than back-pedal to stop the wheel.

Place at the cranks at the tightest point and loosen the right nut just enough to release chain tension. Recenter the wheel with the left nut and crank around again. Fine tune till satisfied, tighten brake arm clamp.

Use the chainlength guide at parktools, they have several methods.
Use a chain tool. Since you only need to remove links, you can just punch them out using a hammer and nail on top of a vice, but a chaintool is a useful thing to have.
Practice on some old chain links first.

Count twice. Look at your master link and see how it works, they are all tool-free. After removing the master link, remove the excess links from one end but take care to leave the correct link type for rejoining the masterlink. Generally, the masterlink connects 2 innie links so don't leave an outy link at one end.