Removing the chain from your bike at home is simple if you have the right tools. The correct procedure depends on the type of link your bike has. If you are not sure what type of chain you have, check all the links. If they are all identical, you have a regular link chain. If one of the links is different from the rest, the chain can be a master link or a split link chain.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Remove a Regular Link Chain
Step 1. Get a chain tool
A chain tool is a small hand tool with a rotating handle and a metal pin that pushes the rivet out of a chain link to separate it. You can find a chain tool online or at your local bike store.
Step 2. Insert the pin into one of the bicycle chain links in the chain tool
The chain tool should have two prongs (next to the small metal pin) that will fit around one of the links on the bike chain. Slide the link between the two pegs so that it is firmly in place. The tips should fit into the recesses on both sides of the link.
The bicycle chain will have outer plates, inner plates, rollers, and pins. You'll use the chain tool to push the pin out of the rollers, causing the chain to separate. Do not insert the chain tool into any part of the chain other than the pins, as this can damage the chain
Step 3. Turn the chain tool handle clockwise to push the pin into the link
The pin should make contact with the center of the chain. When you do, keep turning the handle clockwise. There may be some resistance, but check that the tool has not slipped off the pin. As you turn the handle, you should see that the rivet (the pin in the center of the chain link) is pushed to the other side of the link. Stop turning the handle when the rivet is almost completely out of the link, as reinstalling the pin after it drops is next to impossible.
- Be very careful that the pin does not come out all the way because it is very unlikely that you will be able to put it back on the link. If you accidentally push the pin all the way in, you can try removing that link and shortening the chain to the next undamaged link. However, this can make it difficult for you to switch to certain gears. Another option is to visit a bike shop to ask about getting a new chain pin or to replace the chain.
- Sometimes the chain tool will slide so that it is not directly on the pin. Not only will it be difficult to get the chain tool to pull out the pin, but it can also damage the chain by deforming the outer link.
Step 4. Turn the handle counterclockwise to remove the chain tool pin from the link
You need the pin to fully come out of the link. Stop turning the handle once you can lift the bike chain out of the chain tool.
Step 5. Remove the chain from the chain tool and wiggle the link apart
Now that the rivet is almost out of the link, the link should separate easily. Grab the bike chain on each side of the link with your fingers and move it back and forth until the link snaps off.
Be very careful not to accidentally deform the link. If the chain becomes damaged or twisted, you will need to replace it
Step 6. Remove the chain from the bike
Now that the chain has separated at one of the links, you can remove it from the sprockets and lift it off the bike. When you're ready to put the chain back on, use the chain tool to push the rivet into the link that you separated.
Method 2 of 3: Remove a Master Link Chain
Step 1. Find the master link in your bicycle chain
Master links usually look different from the other links in the chain. Look for a link with a different color on the side, or a link that has pins (the round metal pins in the center of the links) that are different from all the others. The master link can also have an arrow.
Master link chains are the most common chain used on modern multi-speed bicycles
Step 2. Use master link pliers to squeeze master link together
Master link calipers are designed to fit into the grooves of a bicycle chain link. Position the clips so that the two jaws are in the recesses on the sides of the master link. The master link must be between the jaws of the clamps. When the master link is in position, squeeze the pliers handle to close the jaws and bring the master link together.
- You can find master link calipers online or at your local bike store.
- You can also try using needle nose pliers to tighten the master link, but this can be more difficult than using master link pliers.
Step 3. Release the pliers to separate the master link
Pull the caliper jaws out from the sides of the master link. The master link must separate.
Step 4. Remove the chain from the bike
Gently pull the chain off the bike's sprockets. It should come off easily now that the master link is detached. To reattach the chain, reattach the rivets to the ends of the chain and use the master link pliers to lock the master link in place.
Method 3 of 3: Remove a Split Link Chain
Step 1. Locate the split link in the chain
The split link will look different than the rest of the links in the chain. Find the link with a metal side plate that is cut in the center.
Split link chains are commonly used on single speed bikes such as children's bikes and beach cruisers
Step 2. Use a pair of needle nose pliers to release the metal plate on the split link
Place one jaw of the pliers on the right side of the left split link rivet. Place the other clamp on the left edge of the metal plate with the center cut off. Gently squeeze the handle of the pliers to bring the jaws together. When the jaws come together, you should hear a click and see the metal plate move to the right.
Don't use too much force when trying to release the metal plate, as it is possible to trip the spring clip, causing it to fly off the bike. If this happens, you may need to replace the spring clip. You can find a replacement at your local bike store or online
Step 3. Remove the metal plate from the split link
Once you release it with the pliers, it should be easy to slide the rivets into the link. Use the tweezers to help you slide it if you have trouble. Put the metal plate somewhere safe, like in a plastic bag, so you don't lose it.
Step 4. Remove the second metal plate on the front of the link to separate the chain
This is the solid plate that was under the plate you just removed. Use your fingers to slide the metal plate off the rivets on the split link. Place the metal plate with the other for storage. Once the second plate drops, your bike chain should separate.
Step 5. Lift the bike chain off the bike
Remove it from the sprockets and lift it off the bike. When you're ready to reattach the chain, reattach the split link with the 2 metal plates you removed.