How To Remove Bike Chain Without Master Link: A Step-By-Step Guide.

Shaan R.
Shaan R.

This page contains affiliate links for products I use and love. If you take action (i.e. subscribe, make a purchase) after clicking a link, I may earn some tea đź«– money, which I promise to drink while creating more helpful content like this.

Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation, especially in cities. However, one of the common problems bicyclists face is keeping their bike chains from falling off. And when it does come off, it can be a real pain to put back on – especially if you don’t have the master link. So how do you remove a bike chain without the master link?

How-do-you-remove-a-chain-without-masterlink

If you don’t exactly get the solution for it, please watch the video at the end of this article:)

Recently, I had to remove bike chain from my mountain bike because it was too rusty and needed to be replaced. I didn’t have a master link, so I had to remove it the hard way. If you’re in the same situation, here’s how you can do it:

1. Remove the rear wheel 

2. Find the link that needs to be removed 

3. Push out one side of the pin with a pair of pliers 

4. Cut the chain on either side of the pin

Quick Overview

cyclists often have to remove bike chains without a master link. This can be done by following these simple steps: 

1. Put your chain on the biggest cog and the smallest chainring. This will give you the slackest in the chain.

 2. Hold onto the derailleur (or put it in a clamp) so that it doesn’t move. 

3. Push the pinout of the chain-link using a chain tool. 

4. Take the chain off the bike. 

5. If you want to, you can remove the other end of the chain by pushing out


Bikehand 37pcs Bike Bicycle Repair Tool Kit with Torque Wrench

This Bikehand Tool Kit comes with a range of most common bike tools. It is very easy to use for regular bike service, such as cleaning chain, changing tire, changing bottom bracket, adjust shifter and brake cables.

Step By Step guide to removing bike chain without master link

Tools you need: 

  • Chain tool or chain breaker
  • Cloth or grease removal substance

Steps:

How to remove bike chain with tool

Preparing and cleaning

Cleaning and preparation are, of course, essential for any effective repair and maintenance activities. In this phase, you’ll gather the tools you’ll need to remove the bike chain. To remove the chain from your bike, you can use a chain tool or chain breaker.

With this particular tool, you may remove a rivet from your bike and begin breaking the chain. When you have all of the necessary equipment, you are ready to clean your bike’s chain.

Using a cloth or grease removal solution, remove all of the dust and oil build-ups in the bike chain. As a result, your bike chain will be easier to handle and remove. Then, mount or hang your bike to provide a good angle and position for removing the bike chain.

Disconnect the brakes and derailleur gear.

To simply remove the chain, you must first release the brake and detach your bike’s derailleur gear. These two keep the bike chain attached to the frame. As a result, if they are tightly linked to the bike chain, the work will be more difficult.

To do so, choose the smallest sprocket combination and move the pedals while waiting for the chain to relax. You can proceed to the more essential stages after you are convinced that the chain has been disengaged.

Using a chain tool, put the pin into one of the chain links.

As said before, a chain tool or chain breaker is an essential instrument for removing the complete bike chain. A chain tool should have two prongs that fit easily around a chain link.

Insert the pin from one of the links into the chain tool in this step. Slide the link between the two chain tool prongs, making sure the prongs fit in the spaces on both sides of the link. The chain tool is then used to press the pinout of the bike chain rollers.

To fully grasp this, you must first comprehend the structure of a bicycle chain. Your bike chain is made up of the following parts:

  • Outer plates
  • Inner plates
  • Rollers
  • Pins

We’ll be focusing on pins and chain rollers in particular. These two will allow the bike chain to be disassembled and will substantially assist with the chain tool.

How to remove bike chain without a master link video tutorial

Push the Chain Tool into the Link in a clockwise manner.

Once the prongs of the chain tool are securely in position between the links, spin the handle clockwise to press the pin farther into the link. Continue doing so until you’re positive the pin has made contact with the chain link’s center.

You’ll observe that the rivet is being pushed away from the link during a continuous rotation. It’s a sign that the chain link is about to be shattered.

Continue to pull the chain tool pin out the link.

One of the simplest methods is to pull the chain tool pin out of the link. All you have to do is spin the handle counterclockwise until it stops rotating. The chain tool may then be lifted out of your bike chain.

You’re now ready to go on to the final two phases.

Pull the chain apart by wiggling the link.

These few stages are the simplest now that you’ve completed the key steps. You only need to jiggle and shake the chain link to release the bike chain and pull the link apart. The link will readily detach, signaling the breakup of the chain.

Remove the bicycle’s chain.

After separating one of the links from the entire chain, you may pull the chain from the sprockets and remove the entire chain. After that, you’re ready to swap out your bike chain for a new one.

Wrapping Up: 

I hope you found this article useful and that you now know how to confidently remove a bike chain without a master link. Your positive feedback allows us to work more effectively. Please let us know if you have any questions, ideas, or further information in the comments section.

If you find this post useful, please share it with your bike buddies and family. This will help us grow the BicycleEra community. Thank you very much.

You should read: How to Remove Rear Bike Wheel with No Quick Release?

4 comments

  1. Hi, Neat post. There is an issue together with your web site in internet explorer,
    could check this? IE still is the marketplace
    leader and a huge element of other people will miss your excellent writing due to this problem.

    1. Hello, Rebecca.
      I’ve fixed the problem, and the website now works properly in all browsers. I’m delighted to see the first good and encouraging comment on my website. Thank you very much.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *