Ever get a kink in your chain like this?

Since 2001, over 90,000 cyclist's have joined Cycling Forums to discuss topics from general cycling to equipment, training, racing and travel or vacation destinations (especially in europe during the tour de france). We also feature an great deals in our online store, 100's of articles, classifieds and product reviews.

Well, my first attempt at replacing a chain has not been so good. I decided to practice on an already installed chain, so I removed the chain, then put it back on with some replacement 9-speed pins. I think I took the wrong pin out, first of all. Then, I must have done something wrong when inserting the replacement pin with the tool, and now I have this little kink in the chain. The result is some intermittent skipping.

Is this chain history?

Thanks

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2405/2346491301_850a830e99.jpg

It just looks to me like when you've put the new pin in with the tool the plates have been squashed together too tight so that link will not pivot smoothly. Try grabbing the chain either side of the sticky link and bending it 'side to side' this usually puts a bit of play back into the link.

Works for me.
If all goes right just check for chain stretch (I use the park tool gauge about £6 I think) and that wil tell you if you need a new one.

If all fails go to your LBS and get the fella there to put a new chain on, if you ask nice and the shop is any good he will show you how.

As long as the chain isn't too old as mentioned above, the chain isn't ruined. At the worst, you should take the chain apart (at the same location) and try again.
Or have a shop do it.

I can't think of a way to remove and reinstall a chain while accidentally ruining anything more than one link... and your link doesn't appear ruined, just too tight as weedvspeed said.

Is this chain history?


Na - just give it a good flexing - left to right (of the bike) - wrench on it (hands only - no tools) - dont worry, you wont break it.

the plates are just pressed together, flexing it will loosen it up.

Well, my first attempt at replacing a chain has not been so good. I decided to practice on an already installed chain, so I removed the chain, then put it back on with some replacement 9-speed pins. I think I took the wrong pin out, first of all. Then, I must have done something wrong when inserting the replacement pin with the tool, and now I have this little kink in the chain. The result is some intermittent skipping.

Is this chain history?

Thanks

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2405/2346491301_850a830e99.jpg
"Tight Link Repair without Chain Tool
It is also possible to repair tight links without the tight link cradle system. This method requires physically stressing and flexing the chain laterally. Use care not to bend and deform the plates by using too much force. To avoid damaging your chain, practice on a section of scrap chain. Your hands are likely to get dirty from grabbing the chain. If this is a problem use a rag over the chain.

Locate the tight link as described above.
Grab either side of chain with your hands, and place both thumbs at the tight rivet.
Pull outward with your hands, while pressing inward with your thumbs to flex the tight link.
Reverse pressure to flex chain the opposite direction. Pressing inward with your hands and pressing outward with the index fingers centered on tight rivet.
Pivot link back and forth to see if it is free and repeat if necessary. "
from Park Tool web site:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=53