How to Shorten a Chain

Manufacturers use chains on everything from motorcycles to bicycles and even chain saws. When working with one of these objects, you may have to shorten a chain to either fit your current application or to adapt the chain for other uses. This process takes a few specialized tools, but once you know how to use them, it should take under 15 minutes to shorten a chain.

Things You'll Need

  • Chain tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the chain tool so that the threaded handle is to to the right. Slide the chain over the chain tool so the small tab on the left of the chain tool is in the center of the chain. Align the pin in the chain with the tip of the threaded handle.

    • 2

      Tighten the chain tool until the tip of the threaded handle is on the pin on the chain. Tighten the handle until the pin has moved through the chain, but stop once you feel resistance so the pin doesn't come all the way out of the chain. Loosen the chain tool and pull the chain out of the tool.

    • 3

      Twist the chain to pop the link out of the chain, forming it into one long length of chain. Remove the links necessary to shorten the chain the required amount using the same techniques used in Steps 1 and 2.

    • 4

      Twist the chain ends together to form the newly shortened chain. Install the chain into the chain tool again on the same tab, but this time position the pin that is protruding out from the chain so it is pointing inward toward the tip of the threaded handle.

    • 5

      Tighten the chain tool using the handle until a small amount of the chain pin is sticking out through the other side. Remove the chain from the tool and inspect the pin. Make sure the pin is sticking out of both sides of the chain approximately the same amount.

    • 6

      Position the link back on the chain tool, but this time orient the chain on the small tab closest to the threaded handle, which is to the right of the tab you used in the previous steps. Tighten the chain tool until it touches the pin on the chain. Turn it in approximately 1/4 rotation, then remove the chain. Test to make sure the link flexes well and, if not, repeat this step.