How do i change a bicycle chain

Question

when I was riding my bike (BMX) a week ago I noticed that my chain was rusted and the life of it was going to be over soon. so i was wondering,,, what size chain should i get for my bmx bike??? how do i connect the new chain together??? do i need a special tool or can i connect it with a hammer or something??? please help

Answer 1

If your chain does not have a master link, then you need a chain tool. Fortunately, they are inexpensive. I bought a combination tool that has all the metric hex sizes, screwdrivers, and chain tool for about $15 on sale. A dedicated chain tool is around $10.

Do not work on your chain with hammers, nails, punches, or other things like that. Use the chain tool. To remove the chain, squeeze out any connecting pin. Match the length with the new chain. Do not push the connecting pin out all the way. Leave it in one of the links. Then you will be able to push it back in to reassemble the new chain on your bike.

HTH

Answer 2

Go to the bike store, and check out the chain selection.  They vary by width, but are all the same length.  If you're not sure what width is appropriate, ask the clerk, you can usually bring your bike into the store for reference.

Once you've got the chain, you will need a chain tool, which shouldn't cost more than $10.  If you're lucky, both the old and new chain will have a power link, which is just a link that can be seperated by hand, no tools necessary.  If not, use the chain tool to push out one of the pins on the old chain.

Line the two chains up side by side, and use the chain tool to remove enough links so that they're the same length.  If there's a power link, take some links out of the middle, and then put the chain back together, again using the chain tool.  If there's no power link, simply take the links off the end, thread the chain around the gears, and use the chain tool to connect the two ends.

Answer 3

find the master link and pop it off with a screwdriver.

take the old one to the bike shop so you can match it.

use a pair of needle nose plyers to pop the new one together.

(and take better care of the new one so it doesn't get rusted)