How to Install a Shimano HG or IG Chain
Removal and installation of a Shimano HG or IG chain pin.
In this tutorial, we will learn how to remove and install a connecting pin on a Shimano HG or IG chain. These type of chains always require a special replacement pin that has larger peens.
Tools
For this job you will need a Shimano compatible chain tool such as the Park CT-3, and a set of pliers for breaking the connecting pin after installation. You will also need a black Shimano replacement connecting pin for 6, 7 or 8 speed chains, or a silver pin for 9 speed super narrow chains.
Chain Pin Removal
The first step is to break your chain using a chain tool. If you have previously used a replacement connecting pin, do not disconnect on that pin. The replacement pins can only be used once. Break the chain on any previously unused pin. When you push the pin out, it may be difficult as it will widen the plate holes on its way through. The replacement pins have wider peens to make up the difference. Once removed, discard the old pin.
Chain Pin Installation
When installing a chain, always place the chain in the chain tool grooves furthest from the handle. See the tutorial titled “How to use a chain tool” for more detailed instructions.
Push the replacement pin in with the narrowed end first, then tighten until the narrow end is fully exposed on the other side. The wide end should protrude equally on both sides of the chain.
Now using your pliers, break off the narrow end of the pin. If the link feels stiff, place the chain on the inner grooves of the chain tool closest to the handle, and tighten it just a bit until the link rotates smoothly. For more tips on loosening stiff links, see our tutorial titled “How to loosen a stiff chain link“.
Related Links
Related Tools
- Park Tool CT-5 Chain Tool
- Park Tool CT-3 Chain Tool
- Park Tool CC-3.2 Chain Checker
- Park Tool CC-2 Chain Checker
- Park Tool SK-3 Starter Mechanic Tool Kit
- Park Tool PK-3 Professional Tool Kit
Categories
Discuss this topic in the Chain Forums
Replace 14-28T Sprocket With a 13-28T Sprocket?
2018 Lastest post 7 months agoWould there be any issues with one less tooth on the high gear as regards shifting or otherwise?...
Read moreChains
2018 Lastest post 12 months agoJust bought a new bike. It has a KMC H700 8speed chain and I am would like to know if, when the time comes and the chain must be replaced, I could replace it with a Sram PC 850 8 speed chain that I have on hand....
Read moreMatching New Chainring to Freewheel
2017 Lastest post 1 year agoThe chain is slipping on my MTB when I'm on the middle chainring and smallest sprocket on the back, but only when I put a lot of force on the pedals. I replaced the chain last year along with the 7 speed freewheel and the middle 32T chainring. I've probably cycled only 1000 to 1500 miles since and tried to only oil the chain when it was clean, so I'm not sure whether it is excessively worn (have...
Read more26" Mongoose Excursion
2017 Lastest post 1 year agoHi, All! I recently got a broken bike from one of my friends, and want to fix it as a fun project. Seemingly its chain is off from the rail and completely distorted like a helix, so it needs to be replaced. Also, rear derailleur is shattered into two parts, each has a gear, not sure if it can be repaired as I'm a total newbie, so I decided to buy a new part for it as well. However, I don't know ...
Read moreChain getting sucked in by fat tire
2017 Lastest post 2 years agoHi, my chain on a 2016 Specialized fatboy keeps getting sucked into the tire and comes off when I am in the top gear coasting. I have had multiple bike shops look at it and they say that those bike are not made to be in the top gear which sound ridiculous to me. It also been suggested that I change the front sprocket from a 28 to a 32. Also the chain measured fine. Any suggestions?...
Read moreTrek 820 (1998) Crank and Deraileur Replacements
2017 Lastest post 2 years agoI'm refurbishing my Dad's old 1998 Trek 820 with the following OEM specs for the crank and bottom bracket - first bike I've ever done this to but thought it would be an good entry into bike repair (since I just got a bike tool set and XMAS $ to do the project) Shimano Altus CT92 (24/34/42 Square Taper) 170mm crank length paired with a BB-CT91E, 68mm / 118mm spindle length bottom bracket Its...
Read more42 chainring
2017 Lastest post 2 years agoI fitted a black 105 5800 compact chainring set (50/33) when I built my new bike. I prefer the 50 chainring cos, on our flat terrain, I can push it, but I can't push a 52 0r 53. However, I would like to change the 33 inner ring for a 42. I have found some rings with the same PCD, but they all seem to have some qualifications which I don't entirely follow. Is there a straight forward way to ...
Read moreChain issue
2017 Lastest post 2 years agoHi, I have the following issue on my bike (see video): https://youtu.be/XtuR7BI_7SU When stopped at traffic lights I need various attempts at putting the pedal at the correct hight to set off. Is this to do with play in bottom bracket or another issue? I have this play in bottom bracket: https://youtu.be/ikX9hNyDs6g It's an old bike so do not want to spend much money on it. I can live with th...
Read moreChainring guard or bash guard installation
2017 Lastest post 2 years agoHi, I am buying a new bike, it has a Shimano FC-5703 triple ring crankset, 50X39X30T, bcd 130mm. I am a casual rider, and really want some type of chainguard on here so that I can ride in jeans without need for a leg wrap to keep my pants leg out of the chainrings. I do not know what the difference is between a "bash guard" and a "chainring guard / "chain guard". Regardless, what is the best w...
Read moreChain dropping?
2016 Lastest post 2 years agoI'm having an issue on my CX bike. Which is shimano with 38/48. On the last 2 rides when I'm in the lowest gear on the cassette my chain drops off the small chain ring. It doesn't happen on the 2nd from lowest gear on the cassette. I decided that maybe my rear mech was limited enough so perhaps was pulling the chain off at an angle. Therefore I played with the Lo limiter screw and indexing ...
Read moreChain wear indicators
2016 Lastest post 2 years agoI recently picked up a Park CC-3.2 to put in my portable bike tool-bag (12 inch ruler won't fit). With it one of my chains that measures fine with the ruler, fails, even at the .75 side. Reading on the subject states that the CC-3.2 doesn't take into account roller wear, which the Shimano TL-CN41 does. So, I took a popsicle stick (perfect thickness) and shaped it to press the roller nearest th...
Read moreStay spacing for 6-speed freewheel
2016 Lastest post 2 years agoI have an older frame with an ultra-6 freewheel. When the rear wheel is removed the stays measure 122.78 (hub is a 120 for the ultra-6). I can cold bend it out to 126, I'm sure, but do I need to if I just put a regular 6-speed freewheel on? I'm not sure how tight that would be as far as the chain scraping the frame. has anybody tried it? Has anybody bent a 120 out to 126 or 130 without p...
Read moreChanging cassette fail
2016 Lastest post 2 years agoHi all. 1st time post. I am unablr to remove the cassette from my rear tyre. I followed the easy tutorial on bikeradar but havent managed to get any success. See link to pics of my cassette and the lockring i bought. http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Nexus62/library/Mobile%20Uploads I think i know where i went wrong. The lockring i purchased didnt fit properly, so i just used a spanner to remove...
Read moreChain slipping off gear shifter(?)
2016 Lastest post 3 years agoi've recently started riding my bike for exercise. was going well for a couple weeks, but a few days ago the chain on my bike has been slipping off of what i think is the gear shifter. it is very annoying and i haven't been able to ride my bike because of it. Edit More info: i have a Schwinn Ranger 10 speed. the gear only slips like that in high gear. it does not slip while in low gear. i have...
Read moreChain ring compatibity
2016 Lastest post 3 years agoI have an older(vintage) bicycle, it,s a 7 speed using suntour radius parts. I want to change out my chain ring. Some say compatible with 9 or 10 speed, does it really matter? If I buy the same rings as 52/42 with the right BCD....
Read more