How do I fix tangled chain or how do I open it?

[crazytraveler]

I am about to go around the world by bicycle, I am leaving the day after tomorrow, but I have zero knowledge of mechanics. All I know how to do is to change the tyres/tubes lol

Well, I was changing tyres today and I decide to clean the chain, but I couldn't get it open so I just clean it there with water... and when I was going to put the wheel back I saw there was something wrong. I don't know how, but the chain is all tangled.

How did it end up like this? How do I get it back to normal? I moved everything around but I couldn't figure it out.

I cannot open it either, I saw videos in youtube and it's supposed to be only squeezing... but after 2 hours trying I gave up.

Any help?

[il padrone]

It got that way, so it will get back. You just need to persist, pulling the section between the two small loops up and dropping the larger length. Here is a video  guide that may help you.

http://youtu.be/sOjIzY_vTl4

As you can see, it does not require the chain to be broken - but you should learn how to do this. You have a quicklink in the chain. Some quicklinks can be easily opened by hand (eg. Connex), others need some tools still. If it is a KMC chain and quicklink it is best to have a set of needle-nosed pliers to help you to open it (and close it).

[crazytraveler]

It got that way, so it will get back. You just need to persist, pulling the section between the two small loops up and dropping the larger length. Here is a video  guide that may help you.

http://youtu.be/sOjIzY_vTl4

As you can see, it does not require the chain to be broken - but you should learn how to do this. You have a quicklink in the chain. Some quicklinks can be easily opened by hand (eg. Connex), others need some tools still. If it is a KMC chain and quicklink it is best to have a set of needle-nosed pliers to help you to open it (and close it).

Thank you! First thing in the morning to replay de video and try again! ;-)

Mine is a KMC chain, I have a few multitools but none is exactly like the needle-nosed pliers. One more thing to buy and carry?

[Danneaux]

Hi CT!

Best of luck in your travels. I have posted a little photo-tutorial on how to undo the KMC quick-link connectors here: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4851.msg47039#msg47039

I hope this will help.

Best,

Dan.

[onrbikes]

I'm very mechanically minded but the first time I had to remove my quick link, showed how simple I was.

The main thing is to have the link clean, very clean.
Then squeeze the sides together and at the same time moving it, and also squeezing the link ( pins) toward each other.

Any dirt or grit will prevent the link from squeezing together and there'd be no chance of removing it. I washed my quick link clean with petrol.

Its all a learning curve.
Be sure to take the essentials on tour. Cable ties

[il padrone]

I have one of these, for workshop use. I don't take it on tour.

[mickeg]

The first time I undid a KMC quick link, after I got the link disconnected, I let go one end of the chain and gravity took over.  One end of the quick link went flying never to be found again.

It is a good idea to carry an extra quick link or two, not just because of the possibility of loss but because if you snap a chain it might get you back on the road.  KMC makes them in different widths for different chains, if you buy one or two, get the right one(s) for your chain.

[crazytraveler]

It got that way, so it will get back. You just need to persist, pulling the section between the two small loops up and dropping the larger length. Here is a video  guide that may help you.

http://youtu.be/sOjIzY_vTl4

As you can see, it does not require the chain to be broken - but you should learn how to do this. You have a quicklink in the chain. Some quicklinks can be easily opened by hand (eg. Connex), others need some tools still. If it is a KMC chain and quicklink it is best to have a set of needle-nosed pliers to help you to open it (and close it).

I have tried to do that 100 times this morning, I cannot manage to get the chain back to normal. There is always the same two loops there.

[crazytraveler]

Hi CT!

Best of luck in your travels. I have posted a little photo-tutorial on how to undo the KMC quick-link connectors here: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=4851.msg47039#msg47039

I hope this will help.

Best,

Dan.

Thank you Dan,

I am trying but I cannot either... I tried with zip ties as well and nothing...

[crazytraveler]

I'm very mechanically minded but the first time I had to remove my quick link, showed how simple I was.

The main thing is to have the link clean, very clean.
Then squeeze the sides together and at the same time moving it, and also squeezing the link ( pins) toward each other.

Any dirt or grit will prevent the link from squeezing together and there'd be no chance of removing it. I washed my quick link clean with petrol.

Its all a learning curve.
Be sure to take the essentials on tour. Cable ties

It's not very clean, but it's cleaner that it was. I don't have petrol, white gas will do? but... really? lol

[Donerol]

To open the quick link try this method.  Normally it is easier to do with a derailleur because you can create plenty of slack, but since your chain is already off the bike you will be able to get it in position.

[phopwood]

While I don't have the chain in front of me, I know that if the chain was never split then the chain can be untangled.  I would take the loop on the right hand side and keep rotating it anti clockwise until it meets the other loop and I think it would fall in to place.

As said you should take a couple of extra quick links and make sure you know how to open them before you go.  The trick is to not push them together parallel as if you do then force of your fingers will hold the link together.  Push them together with your fingers on opposite corners, so you don't hold back it's ability to move, look at the way it is constructed and imagine it coming apart.  If you have big fingers then you may never be able to do it.

This is a bit like a Rubik’s cube for cyclists.

I hope you have great fun on your trip.

All the best.

Peter

[crazytraveler]

I open it with a plier from a bike shop. I didn't manage without tools.