How to repair or replace a MTB chain, by Berm Peak on YouTube. 4 min 3 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 3 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Check your chain with a wear gauge or by schedule. Casual riders should replace it at the start of each riding season, and racers or riders with expensive parts a few times a season.
Find the master link on your chain. Squeeze it end to end by hand to pop it out, or use pliers carefully on stubborn links.
If the chain snapped, seat the broken link in the chain breaker. Line the pin up with the tool and crank down slowly to push the pin out.
Stop before the pin comes all the way out. A good chain breaker is set to stop short, but play it safe and leave the pin in place.
To rejoin a link, load the chain the opposite way and line up the pins. Crank the tool until the pin sits flush with the link plate, then stop.
If the joined link feels tight, use the back slot of the chain breaker to press the pin very slightly. This loosens the link so it moves freely.
For a new chain, thread it through the derailleur and around the cassette and chainring. Size it to the old chain's length, then cut it with the chain breaker.
Join the ends with a master link. Fit one half on each end, line up the pins and press the link together until it clicks.
Spin the cranks and shift through the gears. Check that the chain runs smoothly and the master link sits fully closed.
Tips and common mistakes
Pushing a pin all the way out can weaken the link, so stop short and use a master link for future removals.
Carry a chain breaker and a spare master link on rides so a snapped chain does not end your day.
A stretched chain wears your cassette, chainring and derailleur pulleys, so replacing it early saves money.
Wipe the new chain and re-lube it after the first wet ride to keep it running quiet.
Questions
Can I reuse a pin I pushed out?
It is risky because the pin can loosen or snap. Use a master link or a new pin made for rejoining instead.
How often should I replace my mountain bike chain?
For casual riding, once at the start of each season is a good baseline. Use a wear gauge if you ride hard or have expensive drivetrain parts.
Do I need special pliers for a master link?
Not always. Most master links pop off by hand, and pliers squeezed end to end work on stubborn ones.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
