Long-time lurker here. I’ve really liked the discussions forum so far.
I’ve come into a bit of a problem that just has me stumped. I can’t figure out how to completely remove a rivet from a 10 speed shimano chain.
I recently bought a compact crankset after doing a lot of research into the subject. As soon as I installed it, I realized that I would have to shorten the chain by a couple of links. No problem I thought (like peeing in bed). After all, I’ve replaced chains before!
Well, I get the chain shortened easily enough. I am under the impression that I needed to put in a new reinforced connecting pin (based on Shimano instructions).
…“When readjusting the length of the chain, be sure to insert the reinforced connecting pin from the same side as the chain cutter was inserted (the same direction as when the chain was cut).”
Well I’m stuck at the stage of getting the old pin out of the other side of the link. I’ve really tried hard too… to the point of bending the lever of my dinky chain tool. I know it’s not a pro chain tool, but it still shouldn’t be that hard!
What am I doing wrong here? I’ve included some basic pics of the job as a reference of what I’m talking about. Any advice would be really appreciated
yes, I did look at the park tool website originally. It suggests that you could push out the old pin with the leading edge of the connector pin guide.
that didn’t work!
The best advice that I’ve gotten so far is to use a “power-link” or a “smart-link” to connect the chain together rather than trying to put a new connector link through.
good luck with your project. Any further insights would be appreciated.
Brett
have you tried using the new joining pin to push the old pin the rest of the way out as you rejoin the chain? You’ll probably need to grow an extra hand to keep it all lined up but it should work.
If if gives you too much grief, remove the outer plates completely from that link and use a sram powerlink or similar. I keep one on hand now in case i screw up a chain joining attempt ( it happens )
I believe that you can push out the old pin as you insert the new pin.
This is not a fact (that I can recall right now, although I’m 80% certain), however, I would discourage the use of a powerlink with the Shimano chain. The width of the link may be different if you use a powerlink, which will cause shifting problems and weaken the chain.
If you look at your chain tool, there are 3 slots. If you spin the lever all the way, does the pin protrude through the middle slot?
You should be able to back the pin (of the chain tool) out all the way, put the chain in the right-hand slot, and go from there. I would guess that pin (or something) is bottoming out, because there is never enough resistance to bend that lever.
Also make sure that the outer plate has something to bear against.
I have a very good chain tool and haven’t had that problem…I’ve been able to just push the pins out. In your case, it could just be that the pins are a little more stubborn than the engineering of your tool.
I have a lot of bad experience with those Shimano 10 speed chains and I strongly recommend you pin it back together with an master link as you were wisely advised by someone else.
Well, I got my answer tonight over on the cervelo forum…
(From another poster)
“Try and put an old piece of chain against the links you are trying to remove. This will alow the pin you are trying to remove to be closer to the male piece of the cutter and push the pin all the way out. I did a road side repair yesterday using the same chain breaker. The male section of the cutter needs to be longer thats why an extra piece of chain with the link already removed will work.”
In the usual set up, the chain tool is long enough to apply pressure to the pin, but then bottoms out before it can apply enough pressure to eject the pin. I can’t believe I didn’t realize this!
It worked like a charm when I tried this. It also worked when I put the chain in the inner-most part of the chain cutter tool.thanks again for all your help people!