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I cut my chain too short, and have added a link to it.
The pin looks like it's in exactly the same as all the others, and there is no extra resistance in the added link, it moves as easily as all the others
A recent GMBN video on how to repair chains stated that this should be regarded as a temporary fix only and that a new chain is needed. (Compromised the structure of the chain... I think was the phrase)
What's STW view - temporary or permanent?
(I know...I could ride it til it breaks and then chuck in a quick link...but I'd like to know if it is weaker now)
If you've driven a pin out and then back in then it will be a bit worn, might last a day, might last a year, I'd just use a quick link unless I didn't have one spare...
I imagine that top athletes putting out crazy amounts of power should replace the chain. For us mere mortals pottering about I suspect it will be fine.
I've done this a few times and not had a problem.
You’ll be fine.
Problem is that the normal pins are peened. When they're pushed out they knack the outer plate a little bit.
Quick link FTW
I'd break the chain at the quicklink, and then remove several links including the bit you added in, the same length as the spare chain you removed originally. Then piece in the spare chain with another quicklink. This way the two quicklinks are separated by a few normal links and there should be no weak spots.
This way the two quicklinks are separated by a few normal links and there should be no weak spots.
That's a neat idea, thanks
It's usually vigorous shifting and cross chaining that pulls the damaged pins out.
Once the peening is gone and the hole in the outer plate is baggy, it's just a matter of time, and luck.
I've always just left it in- 'permanent' is a bit of a relative term for chains anyway! The chain has always worn out before having any problems with the new link
I used to fix a lot of chains using just the regular pins. Once they got up to 9 speed though I gave up - they rarely lasted more than a week. I'd go with the quick links idea.
I’d go with the quick links idea.
Just done that, will see how it goes
Thanks
As said, quicklinks or the dedicated Shimano joining pins are the way to go.
Don't use a standard pin to join a chain.
Everytime I have pushed a pin back in, it's as a temp fix to get me home and has failed shortly after. That could just be me though.
When I shortened my SLX chain last year to go on the hardtail I went too short, so added a couple back in. I thought I'd done a great job. Everything was positioned just so, looked exactly like all the other links. Moved perfectly, no undue noise etc...
It came apart at speed and under power about four months later. Two links away from the quick link, so I knew it was the ones I added back in.
I wouldn't use anything other than a quick link now. Carry two spares on the bike.