How to Put a Chain Back on a Huffy Ten Speed Bicycle

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It's not unusual to remove a bicycle chain and then find that putting it back on isn't quite as easy. The process can pose a number of questions. What direction does the chain thread through the rear derailleur? What is needed to link the two ends of the chain? How does a chain tool work? While it can be a dirty job, putting the chain back on your 10 speed Huffy doesn't have to be unpleasant experience. Follow a few simple steps, and you should be riding again in no time

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Chain tool
Replacement chain link
Needle nose pliers (as needed)
Chain lubricant

Step 1

Run the end of the outer-link end of the chain through the rear derailleur cage and over the freewheel. A chain is composed of two types of links: outer and inner. An outer link will fit over an inner link. When passing the outer-link end of the chain through the rear derailleur cage, be sure the chain passes behind the lower pulley and in front of the upper pulley. The profile of the chain through this section will resemble a reverse "S."

Step 2

Pull the same end of the chain on through the front derailleur cage, but not over the chain ring teeth. Avoiding the chain ring will allow for greater slack in the chain, making joining the two ends of the chain easier.

Step 3

Continue to pull the chain around the bottom bracket and back to the other end of the chain. The bottom bracket is the portion of the frame just inside your smallest front chain ring.

Step 4

Join the two ends of the chain and fix them in place by sliding the tip of a rivet through the outside of the two links.

Step 5

Nestle the two links in the cradle of your chain tool.

Step 6

Turn the handle of the chain tool clockwise until the tip contacts the rivet. Make sure the rivet is perfectly straight before continuing.

Step 7

Continue to turn the handle until the rivet is driven into the chain. If the rivet features a guide pin at the end, use a pair of needle nose pliers to break the guide pin away.

Step 8

Add a drop of chain lubricant to the joined links, and twist the links back and forth to loosen them.

Article Written By Matthew Ferguson

Matthew Ferguson is a writer living in Savannah, Ga. He has been writing for over 10 years and his work has appeared on various online publications. A collection of his short stories was published in spring 2010. He is a graduate of Appalachian State University.

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