How to Loosen a Stiff Chain Link
Stiff chain links cause noise, shifting problems, and even injury. Watch how to fix it by hand!
A stiff chain link can cause problems with your shifting, and can even cause injury if it slips while you’re pedaling. Here’s how to easily diagnose and fix the problem.
Find the Stiff Link
You’ll know you have a stiff link if your chain skips every 3 or 4 rotations. If you have several stiff links you’ll feel it skip even more often. To find the link, shift down to your smallest rear sprocket and then run the chain backwards through the derailleur by rotating your crank. Keep a close eye on your chain as it rolls over the lower derailleur pulley. When the stiff link passes through you’ll see it jump over the pulley. This means the inner and outer plates of one of your chain links are squished together too tight at the pin.
Loosen by Hand
To fix this by hand, simply work the plates loose by twisting the chain up and down the same way it was meant to. Then point the stiff link upward and firmly grab the closest connecting points on either side. Now twist the chain side to side, the way it was not supposed to bend. If all goes well, your stiff link should now be loosened and you can continue riding.
Loosen with a Chain Tool
If this method doesn’t work, and the link is still stiff, you’ll have to use a chain tool to fix it. Place the stiff link into the chain tool, on the slots closest to the turning handle. Now thread the chain tool’s pin gently against the chain pin about 1/8th of a turn, or just enough to slightly loosen the chain plates. That should loosen it enough.
If you still have problems, the chain may actually be bent and need replacing.
Related Links
Recommended 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
- Wippermann Chain Wear Indicator
- Park Tool CG-2 Chain Gang Chain Cleaning System
Categories
Discuss this topic in the Bicycle Repairs and Mechanics Forum
Square-Taper BB 68 (1.37 24T) Crank-Arm Fixing Nuts (not bolts) Comes Loose
Lastest post 7 hours agoNew to forum, just signed-up, after reading an entry about constantly loosening crank-arm fixing BOLTS. In my case, my original BB, uses crank-arm fixing NUTS (original equipment, not jury-rigged), instead of BOLTS. I’m “dating” myself, but I’ve had this bike since new. I’m constantly re-tightening the nuts, every other ride, or worse, at times after a long ride. I have had difficult...
Read moreLoose seat stem housing on Trek Madone 9.2
Lastest post 2 days agoAnyone know how to remove the plastic cover at the base of the seat stem housing on a Trek Madone 9.2? The housing piece for the seat stem wobbles a little and I'd iike to tighten it. Assuming there's a screw underneath the covers. IMG_2660.jpg (Size: 51.17 KB / Downloads: 104) IMG_2659.jpg (Size: 44.51 KB / Downloads: 105) Thanks! Bill...
Read more1962 Varsity - Move Stem Shifters Ok?
Lastest post 2 days agovarsity.jpg (Size: 152.97 KB / Downloads: 199) varsity2.jpg (Size: 77.64 KB / Downloads: 200) Hi. This is my first post. I have a 1962 Varsity that I've enjoyed riding since I was 10. I'm in my 60's now and just want to putz around the neighborhood. In order to make the bike more comfortable I put a super big seat on it and 12" high handlebars. It's my Lazy-Boy on w...
Read moreWhat’s the name of this bottom bracket ?
Lastest post 1 week agoI need to know what bottom bracket I have but I can fin a number or code on it to read it. Any experts in here, this is my first post. 006BA1F3-FE4D-4D22-85F0-095E72284B3D.jpeg (Size: 46.12 KB / Downloads: 57) ...
Read moreCustom Frame Headtube and Fork
Lastest post 1 week agoG’day, I have a couple of questions. I want to install Fox 40 29” on a new custom made frame. Frame not made yet. The headtube will be straight headtube 44mm round 120mm or 135mm in length. What length would be best? I’m looking at zs44/28.6 zs44/30 headset. Would this be the right headset for the tube and fork? Also any tips on how to installing the fork and headset? Does the uppe...
Read moreCan't adjust angle on adjustable quill stem
Lastest post 2 weeks agoI have what I take to be an adjustable quill stem, after some research. I had a bit of an incident in which a wheel temporarily became slightly loose, and I think the angle of the stem somehow moved closer to 180. The handlebars aren't at the right angle. Anyway, I've unscrewed the angle adjusting bolt, but I can't get this thing to budge. What do I do?...
Read moreRefitting a sturney archer wheel
Lastest post 2 weeks agoI am having difficulty refitting a sturney archer 3 speed wheel. The chain on the indicator bar is coming out at the wrong angle by about 90 degrees. I have clearly reassembled incorrectly but I cannot see a way of assembling with the axial rotated by 90 degrees. Suggestions gratefully received. [attachment=1236] 71DD7E3C-8E11-4410-8239-13AB8963A4D3.jpeg (Size: 71.18 KB / Down...
Read moreIs Dunlop valve almost the same as Presta?
Lastest post 2 weeks agoHi everyone. First post, posting from a phone while on a week-long bike tour. I forgot to pack a spare mountain bike tube [/w presta valve] and there are not many bike shops around, but we managed to pass by one in a remote area. Surprisingly, they only got Dunlop and Auto valve, no sign of Presta inthe necessary size. Was it a gamble to take Dunlop? Does it usually fit with the same rims as Prest...
Read moreBrake wire
Lastest post 3 weeks agoTook my bike out after a couple of years only to remember that my left brake broke off while using it last and there is an unusual cable hanging from my bike that gets in the way sometimes, is it okay for me to cut it off? Will it affect the right brake?...
Read moreNordicTrack U300 Knocking
Lastest post 3 weeks agoI'm hoping someone can help me figure out what is causing the knocking sound on my NordicTrack U300 stationary bike. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Here is a video of the knocking sound: https://1drv.ms/v/s!AnBkAt1Ty5oGiGDlEifMjPDihGr7?e=08qsm9...
Read moreHorrendous noises when pedalling
Lastest post 3 weeks agoI have just started hearing horrendous noises when pedalling my 7 week old Trek Powerfly 4 ebike. The sound is worse than clicking and clunking and I can’t tell exactly where it is coming from. So have uploaded a video here: https://youtu.be/G3X2tLHk4Bk. Has anyone had similar or know what if could be? I’ve not heard these types of noises before....
Read moreGear shift is stuck!
Lastest post 3 weeks agoOn both my bike handles, the gear shifts are stuck and I can’t move them. They’re currently stuck on gear 5 now (the highest). How do I fix it without needing a new gear shift?...
Read moreHelp with filling up hydraulic brake lever without bleed kit
Lastest post 4 weeks agoI bought a can of mineral oil from motorex and it came in 250ml aluminium can with big cap, and I need to fill my brake lever with that oil but I don't have syringe or bleed kit. How could I fill it up without syringe or bleed kit and tips? Anything similar to syringe that would work? 54e2f371.jpg (Size: 152.52 KB / Downloads: 54) ...
Read moreFreehub body change compatibility
Lastest post 4 weeks agoI have a single speed kona unit with a formula dc52 hub (only single speed drive) and was wondering if anyone knew what freehub bodies were compatible so I can switch is to more then just a single. I would prefer not to have to buy a whole new wheel or rebuilding with a new hub. Thanks...
Read morecable loose from gear handle shifter
Lastest post 4 weeks agoHi, I'm new here. Just need some help right now for my grandson's Shocker 20 bike. The cable holder has come loose at the gripper handle and having trouble getting it back in. Any suggestions or where to get another 7 speed shifter for his bike? Thanks a lot. Sorry for not filling in any other "newbe" message, I'm currently baby sitting my other grandchild . That probably explains it all. 2...
Read more
