How To Untangle a Bike Chain

A bike chain gets tangled occasionally but it happens for many reasons, but don’t worry, with a little time and a little patience, this complicated task can be easily turned into a simple task.

The bike chain tangle problem will be untangled by your hand. However, you don’t have to be a professional to know how to untangle a bike chain.

Why a bike chain is tangled?

To give you a clear idea, here are some possible causes of a bike chain getting tangled.

If you ride hard and haphazardly when the chain is too dry, it can get tangled, especially on rough terrain.

Tangling is likely to occur when the chain is not under tension and is derailed from the sprocket.

Using a long chain also increases the chance of getting loose and tangled.

If not oiled or greased for a long time, chain friction can increase and cross-chaining can cause tangles.

If the sprocket becomes dirty or muddy, the chain will not grip properly when turning, increasing the chain’s tendency to slip and tangle.

Too much pressure on the pedals can cause the chain to move and tangle as the gears move too much, and bent chain links can tangle without moving smoothly.

Now, how to untangle a bike chain

You can untangle it in a few steps with or without removing the rear wheel.

You’ll be more comfortable with the wheel removed as it will give you enough room to move the chain around easily. And if you don’t open the wheel, you might feel dizzy.

So it can be done easily without any hassle even if it takes a little more time.

Firstly

Place your bike upside down on a flat surface so that you can easily remove the rear tire with the screwdriver.

You need to make sure that the inversion is done correctly so that the bike doesn’t tip over you after the wheel comes off or if there is a small bump. In this case, you can use a proper bike stand.

Secondly

Remove the wheel or tire and place the small screws in front of the eye so that you can easily put the screws on your eye and refit the wheel.

The chain just needs to be gently moved off the front sprocket and brought through the rear.

You have to identify the entanglement and then try to untangle it; you will understand it is not serious or hard work.

You have to manipulate with your hands to find out which direction the chain turns to untangle and try to straighten the twists.

how to untangle a bike chain Whether you remove the wheel or tire or not here depends on you.

Thirdly

Now that the chain is free of tangles you can prepare to install the tire before checking the chain for any damage. Then make sure the derailleur works well with the gear change after refitting the tire.

Tip

After opening the wheel, you can first take a cloth and wipe the excess lubricant from the chain well.

So that the lubricant doesn’t get on your clothes or get too much on your hands when you move the chain around to untangle it.

Tip

If necessary, you can take the help of the tool, but care should be taken with the tool so that there is no pressure or scratch in the chain. Otherwise, your bike may be damaged while solving how to untangle a bike chain.

Tip

If the bike chain is tangled for a long time, the chain can become stiff, so put a little more lubricant on the chain and all the joints. Then all joints should be made flexible by pressing gently with the hand.

FAQ

How to keep the bike chain in normal condition?

It’s very simple as long as you use enough lubricant on your bike chain and don’t add any long chains. If there is a long chain it should be adjusted so that it is always taut.

What does it take to untangle the bike chain?

The most you will need for this task is some time and some patience. Also a piece of cloth, screwdriver, and hand wash.

Why open the rear wheel to untangle the bike chain?

Removing the rear wheel provides enough space to untangle the chain. And there is no obstacle to turning the chain around.

Conclusion

After all, you never want your favorite bike chain to get tangled. It may happen that suddenly want to enjoy the time by riding a bike but unfortunately, the chain is tangled.

So to avoid such an embarrassing and ugly situation, keep the bike on a stable surface, keep the chain clean, well lubricated, and properly tension, and also ensure that the derailleur is in good condition.

In last, if you think how to untangle a bike chain is difficult to work or don’t want to then you should get help from a professional.