How to repair a bicycle chain | Torn bike chain link plate

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  • OVERALL DIFFICULTY INDEX: 3/10
  • IF YOU HAVE NO TOOLS YOU SPEND $ 35 TO GET THEM FOR THIS JOB
  • IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE YOU SPEND 2 HOURS TO CARRY OUT THIS JOB
  • NO SAFETY ISSUES​​

BEFORE YOU START
  • You will need a special tool used for the chain pins, see below
DISCLAIMER:
Our pictorials are of informative nature and do illustrate works carried out by ourselves at our own premises for our own use and satisfaction.
Readers who envisage to carry out similar works inspired by the below method shall do this at their own risks and liability.

The special bike chain tool

Start by acquiring this special tool used to dismantle chain pins. See further below how to use it.
It's called a bike chain breaker or splitter and it removes and refits the chain link pin.

Bicycle chain removal and cleaning

This chain shows a side plate torn out of its holding pin.
The chain also suffers from thickened lubricating oil that mixed with sand and dirt which made it noisy and accelerated its wear. 
Use a small screwdriver to rotate the side plate in a manner to separate the chain link and remove the chain.
Use any degreaser like carb spray to clean the chain.
Leave it to soak in the solvent for a few minutes then dry it up with a clean cloth.

Bicycle chain repair, refitting and lubrication

Use your bicycle chain tool to push back a little the chain plate holding pin.
Reintroduce the chain through the front derailleur, around the front wheels, through the rear derailleur and around the rear sprockets. 
Make sure to have the two edges in the middle where you can easily work to reassemble them and start by rotating back the torn side plate to its initial position:
DO NOT USE yet the chain pin tool.
This will force the pin into the side plate hole and damage it.
Instead reintroduce the pin after clamping the side plate as shown below, then using another set of grip pliers to push the pin in:
Now use the specific bicycle chain tool to center the pin accurately on the pair of opposite chain side plates.
The fix is now complete.
Use any thick oil like motor oil to lubricate the chain.
​Do not use grease, only oil.

You can also buy your bike repair stand and tools from our partners' stores: