The main symptom of a stiff link is that your chain will skip and click every three or four crank revolutions, and the rear mech may flick back and forth too.
This is because the stiff link can’t bend around the chainring(s) and jockey wheels properly. So here are our quick tips for sorting out a stiff link in your chain.
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1. Lube your chain
First, make sure the problem isn’t due to lack of lubrication.
Hold a rag around the chain and back-pedal the cranks to remove any dirt or water.
Still back-pedalling, apply chain lube liberally to the inner and outer surfaces of the chain. Wipe off any excess.
2. Locate the stiff link
If there’s still a stiff link, it’s time to find out which one it is.
Back-pedal the cranks while watching the rear mech.
Look for a link that jumps and clicks as it passes over the lower jockey wheel.
3. Fix with a chain tool
Once you’ve found the stiff link, there are two ways to loosen it.
If you have a chain tool with two ‘cradles’, place the stiff link over the one closest to the handle.
Turn the handle until the tool’s pin contacts the chain pin and then give it another eighth of a turn.
4. Or loosen by hand
If you don’t have a chain tool, hold the chain so that the stiff link is between your hands and at 90 degrees to the next link.
Gently twist the chain back and forth (in the direction it’s not supposed to twist) until the link works loose.
5. Check the link is loosened
Once you’ve loosened the link, move it up and down through its range of motion to check it feels as free as its neighbours.
Repeat the loosening process if necessary.
6. You may need a new chain…
Back-pedal the chain again to make sure it runs smoothly — you may find there are multiple stiff links to fix.
If you can’t get the chain to stop skipping, it may be time for a new chain. Get advice from your local bike shop if you’re not sure.
