How to Split Bicycle Chains

Keeping your bicycle chains clean and well-lubricated is an essential part of owning and using a bicycle. Chains are easily ruined by environmental factors such as riding through mud, rain and snow, or by the cyclist's gear or chosen terrain. Chain design has improved with the evolution of different types of bicycles, from foldable to road and mountain. Splitting -- also known as breaking -- bicycle chains is a skill all bicyclists should learn as part of basic bicycle maintenance because it is part of repairing broken chains.

Things You'll Need

  • Chain tool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check for quick release links. Slowly cycle the pedals backward and observe the chains as they go by. The chain with the quick release link will look markedly different from the other links. The chain can be split by simply pressing on the release here.

    • 2

      Get a chain tool. If your chain does not have a release, you will need to purchase a chain tool. This is a piece of steel hardware that can be obtained from a bike maintenance or even a home do-it-yourself store. Beware that there are many types, so make sure you find one that fits your specific chain. Wind the handle of the tool in an counter-clockwise direction until you have enough room in the tool to fit one of the chain links -- farthest away from the handle -- in the outer slot of the tool.

    • 3

      Detach and split the chain. In a clockwise direction, tighten the chain tool by winding down the handle until the pin in the tool touches the pin in the chain. Keep tightening until the chain's pin starts to ease through the link and gets pushed halfway out the inner plate of the chain's two plates. Do not push the pin all the way out, as there is no way to put this back into the chain. The chain is now split, and you can carry out the required bicycle repairs or maintenance -- e.g., either rejoin the chain, if it was misaligned, broken or needed lubricating, or loosen the links.