How to Fix the Chain on a Mountain Bike?

At A Glance

Biking does not come without its fair share of troubles and one of them is a slipped or damaged chain. In this article, we’ll teach you simple ways to fix your MTB chain to get back on track.

Introduction

It can be very annoying to have your MTB chain slip off in the middle of a long biking trail. But don’t let that be the end of it!

Instead, why not try to fix the chain yourself?

With these simple tricks, you too can learn how to fix chain on mountain bike with ease.

Read on to learn how!

Fix A Slipped or Stuck Mountain Bike Chain

Before you get started, inspect other parts of the bike that may be the cause of damage. If there’s a broken or bent part, you’ll have to replace it before you try and fix the chain.

Flip the bike to make it rest on the handlebar and seat to ensure the bike does not move around as you work.
Push the rear derailleur towards the handlebars to get a little slack on the chain.
Adjust the chain onto the right gear that the derailleur is on.
Once your chain is on the right gear and rests on a few teeth, release the rear derailleur slowly.
Pedal the bike backward for 2 to 3 rotations to allow the chain to adjust onto the rest of the chainring.

Fix a Damaged Mountain Bike Chain

Got damaged chain links?

While a bike won’t function without its chain, you can still work your way around by using the smallest gear. To do this, you’ll have to remove the damaged links on the chain and link the healthy ones together.

Follow closely if you want to learn how to tighten bike chain on mountain bike as removing excess links is one way to do it.

Let’s now take a look at three ways to fix a damaged chain on an MTB.

Before you get started, make sure your chain is in the smallest gear at the rear derailleur. This helps create a slack in the chain that is necessary to use the chain tool.

Fix a Chain Using the Chain Tool

Identify the damaged links on your chain.
Use the chain tool to push the pins halfway out of the female parts of the link.
Remove the damaged links from the chain.
Link a healthy male part of the chain to the female part with the half-removed pin using the chain tool.

Fix a Chain Using a Masterlink or Powerlink

Powerlinks are versatile, so they’re a reliable way to link a chain of any brand.

Remove the damaged links from the chain using a chain tool.
Use a third-hand tool or old wheel spoke to hold the chain in place.
Secure two healthy male ends of the chain and link them with the powerlink on both ends.
Hold the back brake and push down on the crank to lock the powerlink in place.

Fix a Chain Using a Shimano Joining Pin

For those using a Shimano chain on their bikes, the best option is to fix their chain using the Shimano joining pin.

Start by removing the damaged links of your chain.
Use a third-hand tool to secure the chain in place.
Locate the healthy female and male parts of your chain to link together.
Push the joining pin outwards through the links.
Secure the pin in place using a chain tool.
Then snap off the extra part of the pin using a pair of pliers.

Before you’re done, make sure to put your bike back in an upright position. Then run the pedals to check if the chain has repositioned on the drivetrain properly.