It’s no secret that loose bike chains can be dangerous, especially if you are a skilled biker or passionate cyclist. However, not to fret over because the problem of slack chains is relatively common among all types of bikes, new models and old.
It is, therefore important to know the risks of a loose bike chain. Although riders are bound to experience this after riding for some time, there are many reasons why it may occur. For that reason, tightening a bike chain can be a valuable skill for any biker. The good news is that it is easy to learn and can save you cost, time, and even injuries.
So if you are here to learn How to tighten a bike chain, you are at the right place. Here, we have provided all the information you need and answered the most common questions about bike chain adjustment, so keep reading.
Table of Contents
Why tighten a bike chain?
If you notice your chain is coming loose or falling off, make sure you tighten it instantly. Here’s why it’s so important to tighten your chain properly.
- The bike chain transfers energy from your pedals to your rear wheel, moving your bike forward. In the case of a loose chain, your bike will perform inadequately, resulting in a poor riding experience or risk of injury.
- In contrast, a tight chain can lead to increased wear and tear on your bike’s parts, leading to a greater number of problems later on.
So overall, it is crucial to achieve the right chain tension balance in order to ride smoothly and efficiently.
How does a bike chain work?
The bike chain is one of the most important parts of the machine. Through pedaling, the bike generates and transfers mechanical energy. When the clutch is loose, the bike cannot move forward because less power is transferred.
Your chain can be slack even if you don’t tighten it, but knowing how to get it tighter will make your ride more comfortable. On a bike with derailleurs, the rear derailleur is used to provide the most tension. You can align the chain properly on a fixed-gear bicycle with only two chainrings by rotating the two rings.
It is important to turn the cranks properly, fit the bolts correctly, and use the correct lubricant in order to achieve proper chain tension.
Note – When to Replace the Chainset on your Bicycle: Full Guide
Loose Bike Chain symptoms
Many problems can arise from a loose motorcycle chain, but in most cases, the most common ones are as follows:
- A motorcycle chain with a low-hanging position
- Motorcycle Chain Dislodges
- Chain jumping (skipping teeth on the sprocket)
- When a chain breaks or gets tangled between the swing arm and rear sprocket (preventing the rear wheel from turning)
- Lack of chain rollers.
- There is a rapid wear out of O-rings.
- Chains and sprockets wear out more quickly
In this case, changing the bike chain without any tools or basic tools is the only solution, and below we have shared the step-by-step procedure on how to tighten a bike chain.
How to Tighten a Bike Chain with Tools? Step-by-Step Procedure
Tools required:
- Bike chain lube
- An open-end wrench set and a socket wrench set. (usually a 9/16″, 14mm or 15mm)
- Chain checker tool
- Allen key set
- Hand gloves
- A rug or cloth for cleaning
The process is relatively straightforward if you are working with a single-speed bike. Chain tension can be adjusted by moving the rear wheel forward or backward on most single-speed bikes. Now follow the given procedure below.
Step 1 – Get started with proper bicycle positioning
Unless you are an expert, it is possible to tighten a bike chain while it’s upright, but we strongly recommend flipping the bike over since there are many components you can access, along with some of the best bike chain degreasers.
Place your bike saddle on a bike stand, and your wheels should be in the air. Moreover, to prevent the saddle from scratching during transportation, place a soft surface (such as a cardboard box or paper) in front of the bike when using a bike stand.
Step 2 – Removing the rear wheel
You should now loosen or remove the rear wheel of your bike once you have set it up. The rear wheel bolt and nut can be loosened by turning them counterclockwise with your socket wrench. Do not loosen it too much, as it might cause the wheel to fall off the bicycle.
Step 3 – Revise the bike tension
Using this step, increase the chain pressure, and pull the rear tire slowly back to adjust the chain tension.
In this procedure, don’t move too quickly or you may snap the bicycle chain. When you pull the bike chain back, check the tension and continue pulling until it is tight enough. Typically, the chain should be able to be moved about half an inch if you turn it clockwise or counterclockwise.
As a result, you will be able to tighten the tire much more easily once it has been loosened.
Step 4 – Inspecting the chain tension
Ideally, the chain tension should be balanced between tight and loose. As per the study, an appropriate tensioned bike chain should not move up or down more than a half inch vertically between your rear sprocket or derailleur and your pedal cog when pushed up or down. Your chain is still too loose if it is anything more than that.
Step 5 – Reinstall the rear wheel
The ideal chain tension can be achieved by lifting the rear wheel and reinstalling the wheel axle nuts. Ensure they are all securely fastened by replacing each one simultaneously with a socket wrench.
Ensure that the wheel or tire is properly reinstalled to the vehicle’s frame. A correct installation requires that the bracket does not come into contact with the frame or chain of the bike.
Step 6 – Time to reassemble
As soon as you are satisfied with the tension in your chain, put your gear back together and tighten the derailleur screw. The tire should not touch the frame or chain of the bike. Check that it is spinning properly.
In case you are unhappy with the tension, you can repeat the process. It may seem laborious at first, but you’ll become an expert soon enough. You should always wear gloves when working and have an absorbent cloth close by if you happen to drip the lube on your fingers.
Changing the bike chain without any tools
- Finding the master link
- Taking off the master link without pliers
- Without the use of special tools, disconnect and reconnect the master link
- Taking off chain link without the use of special remover tool
- Without special tools, connect a chain link
- Replace or repair the bike chain without opting for any tools
How to extend a bike chain’s life?
- Invest in a good chain. In the long run, spending money on this is worth it.
- When shifting gears, pedal-less forcefully. The chain’s life will be extended if there is less stress on it. Moreover, when climbing steeply, it is best to avoid downshifting to a lower gear in order to prevent extra stress on the chain.
- After a dirty ride, clean your chain.
- Keep your chain lubricated
Is it better to tighten the chain or replace it?
The answer depends; it might be time to invest in a new chain if the one you have started to loosen because it is old. You can replace the chains on most bikes for a reasonable price, which will increase your bike’s mileage.
However, you should not replace a chain that is less than a few years old. Because once you tighten it up, you should be good to go. Following are the loose bike chain symptoms, and when you experience it, tighten or replace it accordingly to your situation.
Note – When your bicycle chain needs replacing, removing or cleaning, you may be looking to break the bicycle chain without the need for any special tools.
Recommended Tools to Tighten a Bike Chain
FAQs on how to tighten a bike chain
Q1 – Do loose chains pose a danger?
Chain slack is less serious than faulty rims or frayed frames. When the chain on your single-speed bike comes undone, it’s more of a hassle than a problem. A loose chain can also lead to inefficient pedaling. A broken chain should be repaired immediately in order to avoid further frustration.
Q2 – In which way should Shimano gears be tightened?
A fixed-gear cycle should be turned over or placed on a bike stand before the chain is tightened. The rear axle should be loosened, and the rear tire dragged back in order to tighten the chain. You should check the chain before tightening the rear tire again to make sure it’s not too tight or loose.
Q3 – How to remove the bike chain from the derailleur?
If the rear derailleur has a clutch mechanism, shift to the smallest cog on the cassette and release it. On the other hand, when shifting into a big chainring on a bike with a front derailleur, make sure the front derailleur is engaged as well. It will make it easier to remove the old chain if you do this
Wrapping up!
Now that you have returned to biking after learning how to tighten a bike chain, you are all set to enjoy the freedom of the sport. Make sure your bike chain is well maintained at all times. Keeping it clean and lubricated once a month should keep you from having to retighten it frequently.
