If you don’t have a master link for your bike chain, don’t worry- it’s still possible to install the chain without one. All you need is a pair of needle nose pliers and a little bit of patience. Here’s how to do it:
First, thread one end of the chain through the rear derailleur. Then, loop the other end of the chain around the sprocket on the cassette (the gear cluster at the back wheel). Make sure that both ends of the chain are resting on top of each other.
- Lay your bike down on a level surface so the chain is accessible
- Find the master link on your bike chain
- This is the link that can be opened and closed, and allows you to take the chain off without having to cut it
- If your master link has a clip, open up the clip with a pair of needle nose pliers and remove it from the chain
- If your master link does not have a clip, skip to step 4
- Using a chain tool, push out one of the side plates holding together one end of the master link
- Remove this plate from the chain, along with any washers or spacers that may be attached to it
- 5-Insertthe newchainintooneendoftheoldchain(withthemasterlinkremoved),androutethechainthroughyourbicycle’sderailleursandcogsuntilyouhave reachedtheotherendoftheoldchain—butdonotconnectthemasterlinkyet! 6-Onceyouhavereachedtheotherendoftheoldchain,holdbothendsnexttoeachotherandlineupthewirelock loopsorclipsso theyareinthesameorientation(usuallyfacingout)
- Ifyoudonotseetheseloopsorthenewchaintoolmay nothavebeensuccessfullyconnected—removeitfromthechainandstartoveratstep5abovetoensureproper installationbeforecontinuing! 7-Nowthatyouhaveverifiedthattheloopswirelocksorclipsareinplaceandorientedproperly,usethepliers topushthesideplatebackintoplaceonthe connectingpinofoneendofthemasterlink—againbeingcarefulnottomisalignortwistanyofthelinks! 8-Repeatthisprocessforthesecondsideplateonotherendofthemasterlinktocompletetheinstallation process—thenenjoytheride!
How to Take Chain off Bike Without Tool
If you need to take your chain off without a tool, here’s how to do it. First, find a flat surface to work on like a table or the ground. Next, flip your bike over so that the wheels are in the air.
Then, use your hands to hold onto the chain and pull it apart from the bike. You may need to wiggle it a bit to get it started. Finally, once the chain is disconnected, remove it from the bike entirely.
Now that you know how to take your chain off without a tool, you can easily do it when you need to clean or fix your bike!
Credit: www.parktool.com
How Do You Put a Chain Together Without a Master Link?
If you don’t have a master link, you’ll need to use a chain rivet tool to connect the links. This involves pushing a pin through the side plates of two links and then spreading the ends of the pin so that it locks in place. It’s a bit fiddly, but it’s not too difficult once you get the hang of it.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Start by putting the chain around your sprockets and aligning the ends.
2. Place the end of one link into the jaws of the chain rivet tool, with the pin pointing downwards.
3. Insert the other link into position so that its end is flush with the first link (see photo).
4. Squeeze the handles of the rivet tool together until both pins are pushed through their respective side plates. Thelinks should now be held together by friction alone.
If they’re not, give them a little wiggle until they snapinto place. You may need to use a pair of pliers to help squeezethe handles together if your hands are weak or unsteady. \r
5 Now comesthe tricky part – spreadingthe ends ofthe pins so that theylock in place inside their respective sideplates (see photo). This can be done with eithera hammer or pliers, but make sureyou only hit/squeezethe very endof eachpin – ifyou distort themiddle sectionthenthe linkwon’t rotate smoothlyand will eventually work its way loose again.
6 Once bothpins are securely lockedin place,check thatthechain rotation is smoothbefore puttingany strain onit.
7 And that’s it! Yourchain is now readyto ride.
8 If you ever needto removea link for anyreason(e .g . to shortenor lengthenthe chain),simply push outoneofthe pinswith acrocodile clipor similarobject, beingcarefulnot tobendit outof shape.
9 You can then reconnectthechain usinga newmasterlink – theseare readilyavailablefrom anybike shopand makefuturemaintenancemuch easier.
Do All Bicycle Chains Have a Master Link?
A bicycle chain is a series of metal plates held together by rivets. The chain wraps around the sprockets on the bicycle’s wheels andpedals, providing traction to make the bike move. The length of a chain corresponds to the distance between the crankarms, multiplied by the number of gears.
A standard road bike has a length of about 2 meters (80 inches).
Most chains have “master links” that allow them to be removed from the bike for cleaning or repair without having to disassemble the entire chain. Master links have two halves that can be separated with a small tool or by hand.
This makes it much easier to remove a dirty or damaged chain without having to remove other parts of the drivetrain as well.
Not all chains have master links, however. Some BMX and mountain bike chains are designed to be used without them, and must be installed and removed using a special chain tool that pushes out one of the rivets holding the link together.
These types of chains are typically found on single-speed bikes where simplicity is valued over easy maintenance.
Do Shimano Chains Have a Master Link?
Yes, Shimano chains have a master link. Master links are also called “connecting links.” They are used to connect the ends of bicycle chains together.
There are two types of Shimano master links: those for 7-speed and below chains, and those for 8-speed and above chains. The type of chain you have will determine which type of master link you need. You can usually find the information about your chain on the side of the box it came in, or on the packaging if you bought it online.
How Do You Put a Chain on a Bike Without a Chain Tool?
There are a few different ways that you can put a chain on a bike without a chain tool. One way is to use a pair of pliers. You will need to find the end of the chain that has the rivet sticking out.
Once you have found this, you will need to use the pliers to push the rivet through the link. Once the rivet is through, you can pull the two ends of the chain apart and then put it back together. Another way to do this is to use a piece of string or dental floss.
You will need to find the end of the chain that has the rivet sticking out. Once you have found this, you will need to tie one end of the string or dental floss around the rivet. Then, you will need to pull on the other end of the string or dental floss until the rivet pops out of place.
Roadside Bicycle Chain Repair – without master link
Conclusion
If you’re a bike owner, it’s important to know how to install a chain without a master link. While most bikes come with a master link already installed, it’s possible that your chain could break or come loose and need to be replaced. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. First, you’ll need to remove the old chain from your bike. If there is a master link, simply disconnect it and pull the chain off. If not, use a chain tool or pliers to remove one of the pins holding the links together.
2. Next, measure the new chain against the old one to make sure it is the same length. You’ll also want to check that all of the links are connected properly before proceeding.
3. Once you have your new chain, start by threading it through the rear derailleur (the part that moves the chain between gears).
Make sure that thechain is routed correctly – consult your bike’s manual if needed – then run it over the sprockets and throughthe front derailleur (the part that guides the chain between the two rings on your pedals).