chain broken - how to fix

[AlastairS]

Hi, One of the links on my 9 or 10 speed chain snapped yesterday.
How would I repair it ? I think I might have a spare detachable link if I can find it.

[hamster]

If a normal link failed then it's definitely time to replace the chain - usually others soon follow. Otherwise get a SRAM or KMC joining link and use that.

[AlastairS]

I'm pretty sure the chain's not that old. less than 18 months , 1000miles.
I'll check the length, but assuming it's okay, one KMC link should do the job ? I don't need to remove one or two other links too to fit the KMC ?
THanks.

[TrevA]

Id be tempted to replace it anyway. Chains are so cheap that it's not worth taking the risk, especially as the chain is part worn anyway. If you replace it now, you should be able to use the same cassette as now.

[Mick F]

Any idea WHY it snapped?
What is the make of the chain?

[Neil Mc Ivor]

You will need a chain rivet extractor tool.
On one side of the break use the tool to push the pin out to leave the inner plates and rollers.
On the other end use the tool to push the pin leaving about 1-2mm of the pin on the inside of one of the outer plates.
Push the roller end of the chain into the plate end. The part of the pin on the inside should engage with the hole on the roller part.
Making sure the holes on the inner and outer plates are in line
Use the tool to push the pin back in making sure that the pin is even on both sides of the outer plates and the link is free.
Note:this is done with the chain in position.
If you are using a spare superlink both ends of the chain need to be inners.
I always carry a chain link tool from before there were good superlinks for deaillieur chains. and the chains were continuous.
Now I use superlinks but still carry a chain link extractor tool.
The above method may do to get you home or to the next cycle shop. Shortening the chain on a deraillieur will reudce the gears available even down to single speed.

[AlastairS]

Sorry don't know make of chain at the moment.
It snapped I THINK (not investigated) because it had a break on one of the plates of one of the links, that I knew off but continued to ride the bike anyway.
but my gears are not adjusted at the rear derailleur correctly and the chain went past the biggest sprocket on the cassette and jammed between cassette and spokes - caused it to stop quick(I wasn't going fast as turning a tricky hairpin type bend. I think that's what caused it to break .

Neil, Thank you for tip on how to repair a chain to get home.
If I find a spare KMC quick link then I will try to put that on to see how I get on.
thanks
Alastair

[TrevA]

By coincidence, I snapped a chain today. SRAM Pc951, it was about ready for replacement anyway as it was around 0.75% worn. I was climbing a steep hill on my tourer with fully loaded panniers. By the looks of it, the outer plates opened up, the side plates didn't break. I've replaced it with a brand new 971 and replaced the cassette too.

Had to get my wife to pick me up, as I neglected to take a spare link and chain tool with me.

It's only the 3rd time I've snapped a chain in 40 years of riding.