✅ How to install a lock on a bicycle chain

A rivet lock is more reliable and has a longer service life, but its installation requires a special tool and a certain skill in working with it (We will talk about all the subtleties and nuances of the correct rivet of a chain lock in one of the following articles).

Rivet lock

The latch lock is installed without the use of special tools, but it is less reliable and has a much shorter lifespan. To install an FJ-type latch lock, small sliding pliers and narrow-nose pliers are sufficient, preferably with a curved nose, but in general, ordinary pliers can do the job. (We will definitely talk about the nuances of installing a latch lock in one of the following articles.)

Latch lock

Usually the buyer has little choice, since the chain is equipped with exactly the lock that best suits it.

All glandless chains are equipped with snap locks, with the exception of DID 520MX , this is a chain with increased service life and strength and therefore comes with a rivet lock.

All stuffing box chains, as a rule, are equipped with rivet locks, since they have a very long service life and the latch lock can run out before the chain.

The exception is chains used for off-road use:

The DID 520VT2 chain is equipped with a snap lock, although it is designed for off-road racing, but nevertheless, a rivet lock is available as an option.
The DID 520VX2 chain is perfect for on-road and off-road applications. It is equipped with a rivet lock, but you can purchase a latch lock for it separately.

Types of bicycle chain locks, their design and installation

During the operation of a bicycle, various situations may occur that require human intervention.
One of the needs is to disconnect the chains to adjust the operation of the bicycle. There are a number of options that help accomplish this task, among which the most popular solution is installing locks on a bicycle chain. That is why it is necessary to understand and understand the design of the chain and lock in order to easily separate the parts.

Bicycle chain with lock - features, design

When choosing a lock, first of all pay attention to the number of speed modes. Experts allow you to choose the same lock for a number of speeds from 6 to 8, which greatly simplifies the task.

Owners of several bicycles with the same number of speeds do not need to buy multiple locks. This factor also applies to chain manufacturers. As long as the speed numbers match, it doesn't matter if the model is different, as the lock will still fit. This is due to the fact that, regardless of the brand of the bicycle, the chains are usually installed similar.

The peculiarity of the structure lies in the presence of easily removable links, which consist of several plates. Thanks to the simple structure of the lock, opening the links will not be difficult.

When purchasing such an item, you should pay attention to the box; on it, the manufacturer often indicates all the necessary information that will be useful during operation. It is important to choose a lock that matches the number of speed modes of the bike.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

The design is easy to use.
The lock allows you to quickly assemble and disassemble the element.
The chain can be easily removed and reinstalled.
Some locks can fit different bike models, thereby saving a person’s expenses.

Minuses:

Low strength. This is due to the ability to disassemble, which makes the fastening unreliable.
Risk of breaking the chain where the lock is installed.

Types of bicycle chain locks, how to remove and install locks

Before installing a new lock, you need to make sure that the bike does not have another one that was included with the purchase.

It is not difficult to detect the locking element; it is usually marked by the manufacturer. Each driver decides for himself whether it is necessary to install this design. Experts recommend hanging a lock if the bicycle owner plans to frequently work with links, remove them, connect and disconnect them.

Installation involves a process in which it is necessary to first remove some of the links to leave room for the lock:

Removing links is best done using a squeezer; this tool allows you to perform the process carefully without damaging the chain.
The removed links can be discarded, as the locking element will take their place.
After completing all the points, the structure should be secured. To do this, the chain is stretched until a click is heard.
If it is necessary to remove the installed structure, bend the chain and move the hole until it opens.

It should be remembered that working with bicycle parts often requires additional strength and tools, so you should not rely on your hands. For long-term operation and safe use, there is no need to install a lock from an old chain.

With symmetrical details

A symmetrical type part has a simple shape and structure. To perform it, two parts of exactly the same appearance are taken. The main components are the cheeks and pins.

The pins are made with a ring groove, which connects to the hole of the second part. During chain tensioning, this design shows excellent reliability results.

In order to open it, you need to move the pins towards each other. When their parts match, the bicycle chain will open.

With spring cheek

This design has a slightly modified type. It consists of parts of different types.

The first part looks like a cheek into which pins are pressed. The second part is made of spring steel. There is a hole in the cheek for the set diameter of the groove, as well as an additional hole for the size of the pin.

The opening process is simple. To do this, it is necessary that the chain bends a little. Bend it until the pin is opposite the hole of its diameter. Then, the cheek is removed from the connection with the pin and rotated, at this moment the circuit opens. In some cases, you can remove the cheek from the second pin.

The closure in this case is also carried out in the reverse order. Chain links are placed on the pins. A spring cheek is placed on one of the pins and guided into the annular hole of the pin. At this moment, bend the chain a little and insert the second pin. When the chain is tensioned, an oblong hole passes into the annular groove and fixes the structure.

Chain lock

First of all, it should be noted that the lock is selected depending on the number of speeds. The choice of lock is also greatly simplified by the fact that the same option is suitable for six, seven and eight speeds. Therefore, if you have several bicycles and the number of their speeds matches the above, you will not have to buy several locks. The same can be said about chain manufacturers. If the number of speeds on bicycles is the same, but the manufacturers' models are different, then there is nothing wrong with that, the lock will suit all of them, since the chains, as a rule, are identical.

Hard work

Replacing the chain cannot be called particularly easy, although this operation does not require any special technical knowledge. The problem is that there are a huge number of nuances - the transmission mechanism can be overtightened, crushed, or simply mounted incorrectly. Therefore, when performing work, you should check all recommendations and use only high-quality tools. If you do not feel confident that you can perform all the procedures correctly, it is better to entrust the chain replacement to specialists. A motorcycle service station will help you make repairs in the shortest possible time, and will also guarantee the reliability of the transmission.

What is this spare part?

These are quick-release links consisting of two plates. Thanks to its design, it becomes much easier to lock and unlock the links of a bicycle. When purchasing a lock, you should pay attention to what is written on the package. As a rule, the most important information is reflected there, which will help in the further use of the lock. Particular attention must be paid to the number of speeds this lock is suitable for. Most likely, more than one indicator will be indicated there, which is beneficial for users.

How to use?

Before you start installing the lock, you need to check whether it already has another lock, which was included directly when purchasing the bike. Finding a lock is usually not difficult, since the manufacturer's name will definitely be stamped on it. Whether to install it or not is everyone’s choice. But if there is a need to frequently remove links, then a lock in this case will be useful. To install the lock, half the link must be removed to make room for it. In order to do this carefully and not damage the links, you need to use a tool called a squeezer. The removed pair of outer links can be discarded, and the lock plates must be installed in their place. After the operation is completed, it is necessary to secure the lock. To do this, you need to stretch the chain until a click appears. If you suddenly need to remove this spare part, then it will be enough to bend the chain and move the hole until it opens.

It should also be noted that not every lock will be easy to push apart by hand, so removing it may require additional force and the appropriate tool. For security reasons, you should not use a lock with an old chain. It would be better if this part is individual for each vehicle, since at the most inopportune moment it can fail, because... was turned to fit the previous chain.

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After work, I often stop by an old friend’s workshop. The pleasant atmosphere and the opportunity to tinker with the hardware yourself are very invigorating. One day, a new snow-white R6 stops at the entrance and a young guy asks if the service is still working. As usual, he needed to check the chain tension and lubricate it. After 10 minutes, satisfied service workers shook hands with the equally satisfied owner of the Yamaha. “What a wonderful client,” I thought then, still not understanding why he didn’t do such a simple procedure himself.

Manufacturers of modern goods are purposefully turning us into white-handed people. We don’t wash our cars, we don’t wash our clothes, we don’t hem our clothes. Many people no longer cook food at home. And they are unlikely to prepare anything edible if all the restaurants in the area close. Simply because they have never done it. Moreover, some believe that wasting time on such nonsense is beneath them. Maybe so, but I am sure that a person should still have a choice. I may not do something because I don’t want to, but not because I don’t know how. It's worth knowing! Be able to ride a horse, be able to cook deliciously, be able to take care of your own home, be able to drive a car and motorcycle well and be able to maintain them.

Disadvantages of use

Like any other bicycle parts, the lock mount has its drawbacks. And the most important thing, perhaps, is strength. Since it can be disassembled into two parts, it automatically becomes less reliable than ordinary chain links. In this regard, there is a risk that the chain will most likely break at the exact place where it is installed. But you shouldn’t worry about this, since this happens extremely rarely and after long-term use.

Of course, a chain lock is a very convenient thing. With it, you can easily disassemble and reassemble the chain so that you can easily remove it from the bicycle and then install it. If you install a new copy, it will last much longer and will not be life-threatening. That is, having installed a new one, you don’t have to worry about it breaking at the most inopportune moment. Also, do not forget about the sizes that are suitable for this or that option. In some cases, the same spare part may be suitable for different sizes.

Alarm and beacon

The age of technology, why go too far? Many people make do with only an alarm system, considering a beacon an expensive gadget. But I’ll be honest, if the motorcycle is stolen, nothing but a lighthouse will give the last hope of catching the thieves’ tail.

Of course, you can bypass the alarm and throw off the beacon or even use “jammers” for it, but this is already the level of professional hijackers. Such efforts pay off when really expensive motorcycles are stolen.

How to replace a chain on a bicycle?

7 mins Author: Mikhail Skvortsov 160

The chain is a key element of the transmission unit of a bicycle. Consistently passing through the teeth of the drive stars, it transmits torque to the rear wheel, thanks to which the bicycle moves. During movement, the chain mechanism is subjected to dynamic loads, which eventually leads to its wear.

On singlespeed, as a rule, the chain is designed for its entire service life: when moving along the stars, it runs smoothly and straight, without deviations. The situation is more complicated with chains on multi-speed bicycles: there is no right angle between the front and rear sprockets, which is why it is always located at an angle relative to the frame. The impact on the chain mechanism increases several times compared to parallel transmission, which leads to periodic wear. To avoid damage to the entire transmission unit caused by chain wear, it must be replaced in a timely manner.

Not only “high-speed” chains require removal; quite often they are also removed from single-speed bikes for periodic repairs or cleaning. We will tell you how to remove a chain from a bicycle and put it back in this article.

Symptoms of a problem

First of all, you should pay attention to chain malfunctions on multi-speed bikes. Traditionally, riding time is determined by mileage, but these values are too approximate, because everything depends on the conditions of cycling: the quality of the roads, the selection of gears, speed, the load on the pedals and, accordingly, on the front sprockets.

The first signs of a bicycle chain failure are inaccurate gear shifting and suspicious sounds (provided that the chain has not lost its lubrication). The following method will certainly help you determine the malfunction: bend it away from the largest sprocket and look at the number of free teeth. If the chain moves freely from three or more teeth, replacement is required urgently. Two teeth “warn” that wear is just around the corner, but you can still ride.

Using the same method, you can see if the chain is loose on a single-speed bicycle: bend it away from the front sprocket and look at the number of teeth.

Another way to determine wear is to measure the length:

304.8 mm is the optimal chain length.
306.5 – 307.5 – average wear, suitability for repair. You can still drive.
308 mm – high degree of wear of both chain and sprockets.
More than 308 mm – damage to the entire transmission.

Measuring elongation requires removing the chain completely from the bike.

When should you change your bicycle chain?

A good bicycle chain lubrication can significantly increase the service life of the entire system responsible for movement. At the same time, you need to be able to notice the moments when it begins to need maintenance or repair.

Excessive wear on a bicycle chain not only causes constant discomfort while riding, but also causes active deformation of the chainrings. If a worn chain is left unattended for a long period of time, it is guaranteed to lead to the need to replace a whole set of expensive mechanisms.

In order to assess its condition as objectively as possible, it is necessary to look not at the mileage, but first of all to measure the length of all its links. The chain length in normal condition is approximately 305 mm. The reason for its replacement is its stretching to 308 mm or more.

Lock and solid chains

The locking chain is equipped with a special clamping device. It is not difficult to unhook and put it on - you just need to disconnect the lock. To find it, carefully examine the chain on both sides and find a split link. In principle, it will not be difficult to find it on a clean chain: there is a plier on top that fixes the link and does not allow it to move apart. Also, the manufacturer's inscription is usually stamped on the lock link. If you can’t find the lock for a long time, then either the chain is dirty, or it is lockless, or solid.

You can’t just disconnect a bicycle chain without a lock: all the links on it look the same, however, they are also interlocked. This causes great inconvenience during cleaning; for example, it is necessary to carry out “general cleaning” in a solvent. In the case of the keyhole, everything is simple - steal it and put it in kerosene. A solid bicycle chain, even removed from the sprockets, will remain hanging on the frame.

In terms of removal, a chain with a lock is certainly more convenient than its counterpart. However, for some reason the fastening may become loose: the pincer may fly off, and the link itself may come loose. Bicycle chains without locks do not have such weak points, and if it breaks, then the matter is solely in its quality.

Opening the lock and squeezing the link axis

Opening the lock is quite simple: use a screwdriver or other object (for example, a knitting needle) to pry up the pincer clamp. The main thing here is not to damage it, and even better, not to lose it, otherwise you won’t be able to fix the chain later. Next, we uncouple the entire link. That’s it, you can remove the chain and do whatever you want with it: clean it, throw it away or shorten it. However, we'll talk about this a little later.

You can disconnect a continuous chain only with a special tool - a squeezer. With its help, you can easily disassemble the link without damage. The procedure is simple, but there is no need to rush:

First, select a link for disassembly.
We insert the chain into the position of pressing out and pressing in the pin (link axis).
We tighten the screw with a handle and pull out the axle. The direction of extrusion is towards the squeeze screw, that is, towards yourself.

You should not remove the pin completely, as it will not be easy to return it to its place later.

Squeezing loosens the axle a little, so when disengaging again, you should select a different link. Pressing the axle into a link is carried out in the opposite order: connect adjacent links and press the pin with a screw.

How to increase bicycle chain tension

The situation with high-speed bicycles is much more complicated. How to tension a chain on a bicycle at high speeds?

The transmission unit of bicycles with speeds, the element of which is the bicycle chain, consists of cassettes with several stars. Therefore, repair work to eliminate chain slipping and sagging on such bicycles has its own nuances. To understand the causes of the problem you need to:

If the chain constantly falls off on a high-speed bicycle, it is worth checking whether the sprockets are damaged. If one of the sprockets in the cassette unit is deformed, the chain can be transferred to another sprocket to continue movement. But in this case, you need to understand that the speed cannot be changed. This method is suitable for getting to your home for better repairs. To eliminate the breakdown, the deformed sprocket will have to be replaced, and if the assembly is not dismountable and there is a malfunction of the entire cassette, then it is necessary to replace it .
The chain falls off on a high-speed bicycle; the reason is a failure in the speed settings. You should check the quality of the setting. Very often, failures in speed settings cause the chain to hit. The setup is carried out according to a special scheme.
Once the root cause has been eliminated, the chain must be put back into place.

To properly fit the chain on a speed bike, you need to release it using a wringer. If you take a new chain, then you need to measure the required length, for which the chain is thrown onto the large stars of the cassette blocks and connected, measuring the required distance. The excess piece of chain is removed using a special squeezing tool. By rotating the screw, the link axis is displaced and the unnecessary section of chain is removed. Next, the chain is passed between the speed switches and connected using the same tool.

If a chain falls off on a children's bicycle , then, depending on the design, the same actions are performed as with an adult bicycle.

A malfunction of the transmission unit on a high-speed bicycle can threaten the health and life of its owner; out of the saddle by inertia , so you must not forget to carry out preventive maintenance of the chain, check the condition of the speed switch and the integrity of the main parts. It is especially important to carry out a technical inspection of your vehicle before you start driving, if you make long bicycle walks and crossings. Timely diagnostics of your bike is a guarantee of safety.

Elimination of defects

A common type of wear is sagging of the chain when its length increases relative to the original. Previously, critical values of the length of a bicycle chain were considered at which it cannot be used. Everything is true, but the chain does not have to be thrown away immediately, but can be repaired. Under prolonged loads, the axles become loose, which causes longitudinal and transverse expansion. It is impossible to eliminate the transverse one, but it is quite possible to tinker with the longitudinal one.

The extra links must be removed in such a way that the chain runs smoothly and without tension along the large sprocket. Using a squeezer, excess links are removed, and the axle shafts are completely pulled out from the elements being removed. The main thing here is not to make a mistake and not pull out too many links.

If you have to drive with a stretched chain, then in order to prevent it from falling off, you can install so-called chain stabilizers - parts that prevent the chain from flying off when driving. There are several types of such devices:

Roller with two locks.
With wide casters.
Frame (or rollerless).

Using dampers as protection is, of course, good, but it would be better to think about changing the chain.

Installing a chain on a bicycle

To install a chain on a singlespeed, you just need to hang it on both sprockets, press in a pin or snap the lock. With high-speed bikes it will be a little more difficult:

Fix the derailleurs on the small chainrings.
Taking into account the location of the tension rollers, put the chain on the sprockets.
Combine the links.
Clamp the chain and press in the axle. If the bicycle chain has a lock, we do without squeezing it.

After the installation is completed, you need to check the chain movement: spin the pedals several times. If there is no sagging or difficulty during torsion, then the chain has the optimal length and is installed correctly.

Every owner of a two-wheeled horse can cope with the removal and installation of a bicycle chain. A simple and simple procedure will not take much time, but it will be a great help on future trips!

So, what to do if the chain falls off?

If the bike is fast and the chain has not fallen between the system and the frame, then simply throw the chain over the desired sprocket with your hands, bending the derailleur tab. Turn the pedals and enjoy the ride further.
If the bicycle has one speed , and the chain is tensioned by moving the rear wheel in the fork, then the situation is a little more complicated. We turn the bike over and rotate the carriage with the system. We try to hook the chain that has fallen off with the tooth of the front sprocket. If it begins to engage, then carefully help the chain to fall into place with your hands and do not forget to rotate the connecting rods at the same time as this action. You can use a screwdriver or a regular stick to help.
If the chain has fallen into the space between the frame and the system , then you are in the most unpleasant situation. You need to try to catch the position in which the chain fell into this space. Of course, if you have a squeezer or connecting rod puller with you, then the situation can be simplified. But usually there are none. Therefore, you need to try to push the chain back. The chain itself needs to be rotated in different planes and looking for an advantageous angle. Sometimes you have to help the chain get out by hooking it with a sprocket and turning it through the frame. It's better not to do this because you will create a notch on the aluminum frame and it may crack at this point. This option can only be used if the situation is completely hopeless.

Try to help yourself with various objects - sticks, screwdrivers, etc. The star can be bent slightly (1-2 mm) using a lever (just don’t overdo it, otherwise you will need to change the entire system later).

The situation in which the chain gets between the cassette and the spokes is solved in a similar way (if suddenly the protection is not installed).

Remember! The most important thing here is to have patience. The situation seems unsolvable only at first glance. After a long search for an advantageous position, the chain will definitely jump out of this dead position, and you can throw it back on. The main thing is not to make it worse J Do not use excessive force and do everything carefully.

Write in the comments what methods you use to fix this problem!

Type 1: Chain lock with two pins

I haven’t seen such locks for a long time, but they are still used for single-speed chains and on old Soviet bicycles. For example, lock KMC MissingLink 1 sp Z410-SO.

Design

Their design is extremely simple - there is a cheek on which 2 pins are located. They are inserted into the holes in the chain links and pressed with a washer with two holes. Everything is fixed with a locking cheek.

How to install a two pin chain lock

To close this lock, you need to rest the pliers against the pin and against the cheek of the lock on the side where there is no cut. We press with pliers, and the lock is installed. If there are no pliers, use a screwdriver. We press the screwdriver against the edge of the cheek, where there is no cut, and press until the lock closes.

How to open a chain lock with two pins on one side

These locks are the easiest to open. It is enough to grab the pin and the locking cheek from the side of the cut with pliers, apply a little pressure - and the lock is opened. If you don't have pliers, you can use a screwdriver. We press the screwdriver against the edge of the cheek from the side of the cut and press until the lock opens.

Video on installing and removing the lock:

Type 2: Chain lock with 2 symmetrical parts

The most common and convenient type of locks. Installed on almost all modern multi-speed bicycle chains. These locks are often difficult to remove. When I removed such a lock with my hands for the first time, my hands were bloody, but the lock remained in place. Most often found on KMC, Sram, FSA chains. Surprisingly, Shimano does not use such locks. Can be used for almost any number of speeds from 1 to 11.

How to install a chain lock with 2 symmetrical parts

Installing a lock is very simple. It does not need to be latched, since we will do this as soon as we press the pedal for the first time. But you can try pulling the chain in different directions to hear the click of the lock. The main thing is to make sure that all parts of the castle fit into each other.

How to remove a chain lock with 2 symmetrical parts

To remove the symmetrical lock, you will need regular pliers. We bend the chain so that it resembles the letter “P”, where the top of the letter is our lock. In this position, we need to press the lock with pliers diagonally (diagonally) to move the two parts of the lock (press with pliers from the sides where the pin comes out of the cheek). The method works perfectly! And the hands are intact, and it takes 15 seconds.

Watch the video for more details:

There is another way to remove it using your hands