Hi all,
As the title said, I cut my chain too short and was thinking of just driving the pin back into the original chain the rejoin the two. The pin is still attached to one of the outer links so I was wondering if this is safe to do or if I'll need to get a new chain (which i'm trying to avoid). The chain is off a 7-speed mountain bike and I plan to use it for moderate trail riding. Thank you!
by TinyCarob3
30 Comments
I do this all the time. Had no issues so far.
7 speed and below, yes. Otherwise it’s tricky.
Done it, it works fine.
Book mechanics will say it won’t work. Real world mechanics will Not Blink twice and do it.
I did it with 10S but learned it’s not the safest thing to do. I wouldn’t recommend.
7 speed, send it.
Hell, we were tempted to buy the catering rolls of chain, because it’s considerably cheaper for workshop use. Ended up with the sweet-shop chain boxes, as they’re more convenient.
I do all the time.
The narrower the chain, the more risky it is
You’re not supposed to, but……
I broke a rib slamming into the handlebars when my chain came apart, I won’t do this again, not worth it
I’ve done it before on a 10s, with varied results, one time was solid until the chain gave up, another popped out on the road at some point. Basically if you do it, need to check the chain link periodically.
I did this weekend and ended up walking 10 miles with a broken chain
Did it before. But after pedalling hard uphill the chain broke at this river so don’t recommend. New connector pins are very cheap
I wouldnt, use a missing link for safety
Works for a while…. then it hurts.
As long as you dont do it to 10 speed and above.
To reuse the old rivet means a certain higher wear on their bulges and the drilling and may cause a lesser tight fit and is therefore not recommended …certainly are the prices for these single rivets and chain locks a rip off – but think about the damage it may cause when the chain gets torn apart meanwhile pedaling uphill with full force…in my cycling career it happened already three times that after the chain was torn apart it was immediately winding around the derailleur and before I even was able to realize what’s happening I was destroying the derailleur and its hanger …
Do not do this. Modern chains are often have the rivets peened to prevent the plate from slipping off the rivet. Especially with 9-and-up speed chains. It dramatically increases the chance of chain failure by the plate slipping off the rivet. Use a master link. Anyone who advises you to do this because “i do it all the time, and i’m fine” is partially responsible for the injuries you sustain if your chain breaks and causes an accident because of their shitty and ignorant advice. I repeat: do not do this.
Just make sure the pin doesn’t deform the plate when it gets pushed back through, and you’ll be fine.
Technically, you should replace the rivet. But you can get away with it in some cases.
If you’re in the middle of a ride
I snapped a chain reusing a rivet on 11 speed. I have a multi pack of quick releases by ybn so I dont have this issue again. Having snapped a few chains in my time it is by far the most scariest thing I’ve done on a bike. I’d rather ride a cracked frame than a weakened chain.
not worth it IME. it can be done, but why risk it over a few bucks?
On the side of the road, to get home, yeah sure. In the workshop, no. Not worth risking your safety and rear derailleur. A chain is cheap, a missing link is very cheap. Wrong saving.
Even though a single speed chain will mostly hold and a 7-speed chain will likely to, it’s not worth it. And for 9 speed and higher the chance of a snapping chain is very real.
Just do it if you’re in a pinch. And ride easy until you get home. It’ll work until it doesn’t.
6-7-8 ° go ahead
9 and up; I’ve snapped them all. Stock some quick links! If you gotta ask get some 8s quick links!
Depends on the brand and type of chain.
Some chains for 7 gears or less you would be fine over 7 gears and it’s rare for them to be OK and best practice is to use a new pin every time.
However it is also true that some manufacturers these days have a blanket new pin policy irrespective of how many gears it is for.
Just get a quick link/missing link. It is possible but I only reuse a rivet if stranded to get home, which I have done a few times on rental bikes or when I didn’t have a quick link in my spare kit
Ive done it on my 9 speed mid drive ebike. Its a bbshd pushing 1800w so you’ll most definitely be fine. Every quick link ive ever used breaks at some point, so I actually just break an extra link and use the regular links as a preference. Ive done this to 3 chains so far on my bbshd with just under 8k miles, and the chains last until they are too stretched and need replacement.
For me, as an emergancy repair: Yes. Apart from that, I could not really trust that chain and I rather buy some quick link than risking eating dirt just because of this. I would recommend a Connex Link – really reliable and often reusable up to a certain degree. Unfortunately: Only available up to from 12 to 8 speed