Sculptor7

Am restoring an '82 Fuji Monterey and in taking the chain off I accidentally pushed the pin all the way through. Is there a way to reconnect the chain in case I want to re-use it?

Capecodder

Put a master link in it's place, cause you will never get it back in.

BigPolishJimmy

+1 on Master Link easiest fix, buy 2 and keep a spare in your bike bag just in case. I read somewhere that the 2-piece master links are better than the 3-piece style, can't remember where, and I can't back it up with experience. You can get the 2-piece master links at a bike shop and the 3-piece ones at walmart.

roccobike

On some bikes with Shimano chains you can buy a new pin that has a leader allowing you to easily insert the pin, then once correctly positioned, you break off the leader with a pair of plyers.
Also, I have successfully, carefully pushed the old used pin back into place by pushing it into one of the plates, then proceeding to push it back into place. It only takes a half to one hour of trying, many swear words, including some that have never been uttered before, possibly skinning a few knuckles but it can be done.
Of course you can always take the EASY way out and buy a Master Link as suggested by BigPolishJimmy and CapeCodder, but where's the fun in that?

Oldpeddaller

It's also a great (the only?) way to break a Park Chain Brute chain tool! Anyone know whether Park's warranty is lifetime and whether this would be classed as misuse?

Grand Bois

You can get the pin back in.

roccobike

If you're referring to the end pin that makes contact with the chain pin, they are designed to break so that the tool does not. You can buy pins for around $8 or $9 a pair. I've gone through three in two years.

auchencrow

+1 , but....

BigPolishJimmy

Yeah, I put the pin back in ...once. Master link makes chain cleaning and future service easy. I put a master link in my Fuji Monterey, I don't know if the master links are problematic on higher geared bikes, but for the 10-speed Fuji, it's not a problem.

surreal

use a master link, and make sure you save the excess whenever you get new chains, in case you encounter this problem again (you can remove that link, and rebuild with another. While we're talkin' about new chains, have you considered the condition of the chain in question? You might wanna buy a new chain, with a powerlink or similar feature, rather than spending a few bucks for a master link to save a (possibly) worn chain...

-rob

Wogster

Actually you can get it back in, but it's not at all easy, there are three other solutions, they all require extra stuff though....

1) get a spare link, remove the link that is missing the pin and install the spare link.
2) get a Shimano replacement pin, install the same way as you would on a Shimano chain that requires a replacement pin
3) Install a removable link.

seypat

Putting the old one back in is actually not that hard. But you have to have the proper tools on hand. The most important tools is a piece of block metal and shims to fit between the 2 link arms so you do not bend or break.

Lay it down on something hard like a concrete floor or step. Find your metal piece that will take up the space between the link arms and insert between the arms. Then use something like a spark plug gap tool and also insert.(the one like a pocket knife that has different size shims) Make sure you have a tight fit between the arms with no play if possible. Then position your pin with a pair of needlenose pliers, hold it and give it a couple of light taps with a hammer to barely get it started. Notice I said light taps. Once you get it in there a little bit then use your chain removal/assembly tool to put it in a little farther.

raverson

+116
Good advice.

Roll-Monroe-Co

I also did this with a chain tool and something to keep the outer plates from bending.

Once. You could have knocked me over with a feather when it went back in.

Capecodder

OK, yes you can get it back in but it's not worth the effort. Now is the best time to put in a Master link so you wo't have this problem in the future when wanting to take your chain off. The other choice as stated above is just replace it with a new chain if this one is worn.

PDXaero

Its easy.
use another segment of chain (inner roller portion) to line up and hold the pin, the press into the outer plate of your actual chain. Rotate the outer plat 90 degrees out of the way to have some more space.
Takes me maybe 30 seconds.

Seriously? Am I the only one that knows this.

Capecodder

I just don't understand why you wouldn't just put a Master link in at this point, and make things more simple next time around?

PDXaero

Isnt that the shimano argument?
Laughing aside, why buy extra links? If the chain I have, lets say a 50s 1/8" coventry chain, doesnt have a master link i can manage with a chain tool.

RobbieTunes

After having two Shimano chains break this year, phooey on their pin system.

Yes, pins can be put back in and a shop showed me how to loosen them up so they swivel freely.

If it's a long-term rider, I always put in a master link. Just so much easier.

RFC

Quote:

Originally Posted by roccobike

On some bikes with Shimano chains you can buy a new pin that has a leader allowing you to easily insert the pin, then once correctly positioned, you break off the leader with a pair of plyers.
Also, I have successfully, carefully pushed the old used pin back into place by pushing it into one of the plates, then proceeding to push it back into place. It only takes a half to one hour of trying, many swear words, including some that have never been uttered before, possibly skinning a few knuckles but it can be done. Of course you can always take the EASY way out and buy a Master Link as suggested by BigPolishJimmy and CapeCodder, but where's the fun in that?

Entirely correct.

Sculptor7

Wow, did not expect so much advice so fast. That's what makes this forum so useful. Actually, I am not sure at this point if I even have the pin (probably consorting with all the other disreputable characters under my workbench). I did buy a chain at Walmart which looks like it has a connecting link (master link?) in the package but after reading about the need to have compatibility between the cogs and the chain (potential problem with mating a new chain with an old freewheel cluster) and the different options for connecting a chain, I have decided I just need to know more about what I am doing before proceeding further. Now I have learned that the 1/8 inch chain is what I have on an old bike like the Fuji Monterey and that is the type sold at Walmart. So, can I use a new master link with an old chain? And is that what I have in the Walmart chain package or do I have to go to my LBS for something different?

Capecodder

You need a 1/2 X 3/32" link 1/8" is for a single speed.....

funkflex

+1 I don't see whats so difficult about inserting a previously used pin. I typically lay the bike on its side with the two ends of the chain in place. Simply place the pin in position and tap it gently with a small tack hammer (or regular hammer). This will set the pin back into the link. Use the chain tool to press the pin the rest of the way back into the link. If the fitting is too tight and the link is binding, place a small flat-head screwdriver in between the binding link and give it a slight twist to take off the tension. Add a drop of lube to the roller and your all done. This usually takes me less than 2-3 min.

Von Stively

Maybe some cut knuckles too... but so worth it to be able to do it again the next time you push one all the wat out!

JohnDThompson 

Yes, but it's seldom worth the effort needed to do so, especially in light of the ease of using a master link instead.