Bicycle chain master link removal. Guide to remove different types of bike chain
You are looking for a bicycle chain master link removal guide? A broken bicycle chain can render your bike unusable, and repairing a chain can be difficult.
A broken bicycle chain can leave you stranded, and repairing a chain can be difficult and time-consuming.
This guide is the perfect solution for repairing a broken bicycle chain. With our advice, you will find it quick and simply to remove and install master links.
Signs that you should replace your master link
One of the most common symptoms of a bad master link is a chain that falls off while you are riding. This can be very dangerous as it can cause you to crash. If you notice that your chain is falling off more often than usual, then it is most likely time to replace your master link.
Another symptom of a bad master link is a chain that is very difficult to remove from your bike. If you find that you are having to use a lot of force to remove your chain, then it is most likely because the master link is damaged.
If you notice any of these symptoms, then it is important to replace your master link as soon as possible. Bike chains are not cheap and if you wait too long, you could end up damaging your chain beyond repair.
Guide to remove different types of bike chain
Tools you need to prepare
- Chain Breaker
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Hammer (optional)
Remove a Link From a Regular Bike Chain
Grab your chain tool
Few people would ask the definition of this device. It is the thing that helps you remove and add links to your bike chain without having to take the whole chain off the bike.
Put the pin in one of your Links into the Chain Gadget
Look at your chain to find a link that has an opening (or two, as the case may be). Place this link into the chain tool so that the pin is sticking out of the side where the handle is.
Nudge the Pin into the Link
Squeeze the handles together so that the pin is pushed into the link. This may take a few tries, and you might have to use a hammer to get it going. The goal here is to make the links fit snugly together so that they don’t pop out while you’re riding.
Remove the Chain from the Tool and Pull it away from the Bike
Now that the link is secure, you can remove the chain from the chain tool. Carefully pull it away from the bike, making sure that all the links are still connected. If any come undone, simply repeat steps 2-4.
Remove a Link From a Unique Link Chain
Find your Chain’s Most important Part
The first thing you need to do is look for the most important component of your chain which is known as the master link.
Press the Link with master-link pliers
Get a good grip of the master link using a pair of master-link pliers then press it in until the clip pops out.
Remove the Rest of the Components
Once the clip is out, you can now remove the rest of the components such as washers and spacers. You might need to use a pick or small screwdriver to help you with this task.
Take off the Chain from the Bike
Now that all the components have been removed, you can finally take off the chain from your bike. Be very careful not to lose any of the small parts as they are essential in keeping your chain together.
Remove a Split Link Chain
Inspect the Chain for a Split Link
The first thing you need to do is inspect your chain for a split link. This is the part of the chain that holds all the other pieces together. If you see a split in this link, then you will need to replace it.
Remove the Split Link with a chain breaker tool
If you have a chain breaker tool, you can use this to remove the split link from your chain. Simply insert the tool into the split and push it through.
Take off the Chain from the Bike
Once the split link has been removed, you can now take off the chain from your bike. Be very careful not to lose any of the small parts as they are essential in keeping your chain together.
Next, we will walk you through the process of bicycle chain master link removal.
Bicycle chain master link removal
3 common kinds of Master Chain Links
Shimano – “Rivet” Links
Shimano is one of the most popular manufacturers of bike chains and they use a rivet type of master link. This is where the pins are inserted into the side plates and then swaged over to hold them in place.
SRAM Master Link – AKA Power Link: Uses two halves that snap together
SRAM is another popular bike chain manufacturer and they use a power link to hold their chains together. This is a two-piece link that snaps together and is very easy to remove and install.
Clip-Style Master Links
Clip-style or C-style master links are the most common type that you will find on bikes. These use a small clip to hold the two sides of the link together. They are very easy to remove and install but can come undone if not installed properly.
Guide to remove bicycle chain master link
Remove Shimano Master Chain Rivet
This is not the easiest link to disconnect by far. The first thing you need to do is find a small allen wrench that will fit into the side of the link. Once you have this, you need to insert it into the side of the link and push it through until it pops out the other side.
Now that the allen wrench is through, you can take a pair of needle nose pliers and grip onto the end of it. You need to be careful not to grip too hard or you will bend the allen wrench and then you will be stuck.
Once you have a good grip, start twisting the allen wrench back and forth until the rivet starts to come out. It takes a little bit of patience but eventually, it will start to move. Once it starts moving, it will come out relatively easily.
Remove SRAM Master Chain Link
This type of link is much easier to remove than the Shimano rivet link. The first thing you need to do is find the small notch on one side of the link. Once you have found this, you need to insert a small screwdriver or pick into it and pry it open.
Once you have pried it open, you can now take the two halves of the link apart. Be careful not to lose any of the small parts as they are essential in keeping your chain together.
Remove Clip-Style Master Chain Link
This is the most common type of master chain link and is also the easiest to remove. The first thing you need to do is find the small clip that is holding the two sides of the link together. Once you have found this, you can use a pair of needle nose pliers to remove it.
Once the clip has been removed, you can now take the two halves of the link apart. Be careful not to lose any of the small parts as they are essential in keeping your chain together.
Things to know About Master Links
One thing to be aware of is that not all master links are created equal. There are a lot of cheap knock-offs out there that are made from inferior materials. These links can break very easily and can cause your chain to come apart while you are riding.
It is important to only use high-quality master links that are designed specifically for bike chains. These links might cost a little bit more but they will save you a lot of money in the long run.
F.A.Q bicycle chain master link removal
How do I remove a master link chain without tool?
If you don’t have the right tools, then it’s very difficult to remove a master link chain without damaging it. We would recommend taking it to a bike shop and having them do it for you.
How do you separate a master link chain?
There are a few different types of master links, but the most common type is the clip-style link. To remove this type of link, you need to find the small clip that is holding the two sides of the link together. Once you have found this, you can use a pair of needle nose pliers to remove it.
How do you remove links from a bike chain without the tool?
If you do not have the tool, you can use a small screwdriver or pick to pry the link open. Once it is pried open, you can take the two halves of the link apart.
How to find bicycle chain master link?
The best way to find your chain’s master link is to look for the small clip that is holding the two sides of the link together. Once you have found this, you can use a pair of needle nose pliers to remove it.
Conclusion
Although it is possible to remove a bicycle chain master link without any special tools, it can be difficult and frustrating. If you do not have the necessary tools or experience, it is best to leave the task to a professional. If you have any questions or need assistance with removing your bike chain’s master link, please don’t hesitate to contact us at bigbuddybike.com. We would be happy to help!
