How do you remove a link from a bike chain?

Question

The bike chain is lose and I've tried tightening it...so I guess I need to remove a link or two. How do you do that?

Answer 1

If your chain used to fit and now it's loose, you should check for wear. Measure 12 outer plates from one pin to the corresponding pin on the 12th one over. It should measure exactly 12 inches for a new chain. Anything over 1/16" of wear means you should replace the chain, and if it is more than 1/8" you should replace chainring and cassette/rear gear, too.

You remove a link by pushing the rivets out with a chain tool. Reassembly depends on the brand of chain.

Answer 2

use a chain breaker.  or go to a bike shop and see if they can help you out.http://www.sudco.com/images/950-430.gif

it pushes the pins out allowing you to remove links.

also can be used to put links back.

Answer 3

You get a chain removal tool which you can buy from any bike shop, but if the chain is loose because it has stretched- as chains do through time- then removing a link is only delaying the inevitable and you will probably need a new chain.