Chain Tools
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I’ve got a bike frame, and I have no way to remove the chain. I can’t afford tools, so is there an easy way?

Submitted by on November 16, 2008 – 10:41 am15 Comments
chain tools
matrixneo_1392 asked:

I found a bike frame recently, and it needs some work, but it functions. The chain, however, is badly rusted, and I can’t get it off. The only tools I have are limited to very few, and I can’t get the chain off using them. A friend suggested bolt cutters, but his dad owns a pair, not me. I can’t afford to buy the tool used to remove a chain, so can anyone give me a poor man’s solution? Any help is appreciated, I need answers by tomorrow, that’s when my friend’s coming over to help fix up the bike to make it work.
The chain is connected to the actual back part, which makes it hard to snap it, and there’s no way to find out how to withhow rusted it is. Explain more about master links, somebody.
I can do this with less than ten dollars, because I get parts form junkyards and other old bikes for free. I know some people who can deal with that, but I need the chain off first.

15 Comments »

  • YAWN!!! says:

    you either gonna need to buy to cramks or a new chain and snap them both off considering the condition of your bike

  • Red_Ryder says:

    Put a screwdriver between the sproket and chain and as you spin the crank pull the screwdriver towards yourself just a little this will cause the chain to pop out of place and at approx 3/4 of a turn on the crank the chain will just pop off

  • Billy T says:

    You need to take a screwdriver and carefully remove the pin that holds the masterlink on.The masterlink will be slightly larger than the others .Just be carefull not to damage the link. no speacial tool required just a screwdriver

  • besitos2610 says:

    Get some dw40 and spray it on there. Then take a something metal and strong and little enough to fit in a link in the chain and work it off. If you can’t afford wd40 try cooking oil. Or why don’t you ask your friend to borrow you the bolt cutters???

  • bushido says:

    Go and buy a new bike it’s generaly cheaper than fixing an old one.
    If that doesnt work find the master link and prise it of with a screwdriver or pliers or… they all have a master link.spray withcrc,wd40 or something like that soak in thin oil put back on tighten till you can bearly turn the pedal then just keep forcing the pedals around ti’ll loosen up then readjust dont leave it to long or else you’ll ruin the wheel and pedal cog bearings.

  • Delaware Dan says:

    Try buying a container of 3 and 1 oil or better, penetrating oil, if you can afford it. Find the removable link in the chain and soak it thoroughly in oil. Then use a hammer and a flat head screwdriver, and/or plyers, to loosen and eventually pry off the removable link side plate that holds the link on the removable link hinge pins. This is the best way with limited tools.
    If you have never seen a removable link before, look for the one pair of hinges that has a different plate on the side of it that has a ‘V’ shaped slot on at the end of at least one of the hinge pins. This should be visible after using the oil on the whole chain to remove some of the rust.

  • viking_transplant says:

    go buy a mini chaintool at least.

    it’s about a 1000 times easier than these other suggestions.

  • Isaac says:

    to solve your problem with minimal work, just bring your bike into a LBS and they should have the tool to take it out, shouldnt cost you a dollar or two, they might just do it for you for free!

    Cheers

  • mirageguitarworks says:

    use a hack (metal cutting) saw.

  • bikernoj says:

    Even if you get the chain off with bolt cutters or some other hamfisted way, you will still need a chain tool to install a new chain. They’re usually under $15, or you can pay a bike shop the same amount to do it for you.

    Either way, bicycles need bicycle specific tools, and there’s no way around it. Sorry.

  • bb says:

    First, im real sorry to hear you don’t have a whole lotta money. The only safe way is to go buy a chain tool which removes and replaces links without damaging them. If you have a master link, use a screwdriver. Can you not afford any tools at all?!?

  • ace says:

    save yourself the grief and head to your local bike shop. They’ll usually do it for free and you’ll save more time working on other parts of the bike.

  • Jason Z says:

    borrow an axe and cop the chain untill it breaks!!

  • CM says:

    Go to a local bike shop and they will do it for free.

  • JPGR says:

    Use a metal cutting hand saw (hacksaw). Put the chain in the a vice and cut away at a link. Because the chain is very rusty you should not reuse the chain. Good luck!

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