grae asked:
just using normal tools like pliers and screwdrivers
the chain is very long and flaps about too much, even on both largest rings theres loads of spare movement in the mech and on the smallest it fold back on itself
Buy a chain tool, it’s not worth the trouble, trust me I have done it without
Move the back wheel backwards Otherwise you will be in casualty with in the hour……… unless you have a punch and a block.
a chain extrator is the best tool for the job
you could fit a chain tension wheel to take so slack of the chain
depends wat your doin it for
don’t, just buy a chain tool as they are cheaper than buying a new bike when you break it!
You definitely need a chain tool,
If you manage to pop a link with pliers and ***** driver you still need to remove the pin and if you use a hammer you can destroy the roller, not a good idea. Save your self a lot of trouble and money and do it right and buy yourself a master link, makes what your doing a snap.
chain tools are not very expensive, so buy one… it will make the job so much easier (and safer for you to ride when you put it back together properly)
Take it to the bike shop. They can shorten it to the correct length and it might be cheaper than buying the chain tool.
1 additional detail….once you break a chain, you need a special connector to put the chain back together or else it will continually break. For a Shimano chain, they sell pins that are slightly larger than the original pin. For a SRAM chain, they sell powerlinks. Make sure you have one of these before you start!!!
how are your bongos?