Lengthening a chain

[Eugene]

That little joining pin that comes with a new chain broke and damaged a link. I removed the damaged links and joined with a quick link. The chain is now too short.

 

Can I add more links to the chain. I still have the excess piece left from when I originally fitted the chain.

[AlanD]

I recently got a new chain and connected with a quicklink only to realise I was one link short as I measured wrong.

 

I then added an additional link to the chain and connected again with the quicklink.

 

The link was a little bit stiff though so I just moved the pin with a chain tool to get it right and then flexed the chain a little bit and now its fine.

 

Last resort should be to flex the chain side to side so rather try fit the pin in right.

 

That was my experience.

[JXV]

That little joining pin that comes with a new chain broke and damaged a link. I removed the damaged links and joined with a quick link. The chain is now too short.

 

Can I add more links to the chain. I still have the excess piece left from when I originally fitted the chain.

Yes you can add in some extra links to replace those you took out. Use the joining pin with a DECENT chain breaker and take care to align it correctly. Spare pins obtainable from your LBS...usually for nothing.

 

Beware some 10spd chains are directional so be sure to insert the new links correct way around.

 

Decent = Park Tools or Shimano.

[David Marshall]

I prefer using quick links to the pins as I like to take the chain off to set the limits and to clean.  I have been thinking of splitting my chain with two links so as to easily be able to convert to a single speed in case of a cable or hangar problem.  As to lengthening your chain, no problem.  You won't believe the combinations that come through my workshop!  You are not supposed to mix new and old links but when on the trail - maak 'n plan. Just keep the speeds the same.